Pat sent me a video of Delbert McClinton singing me "Sending Me Angels." In the first few scenes, I was reminded of growing up in rural Appalachia and driving past the river baptisms near a coal camp named "Keith," WV. As a small child, I looked upon this scene many times, mostly with fear, and also watched my parents' reactions. My mother was disdainful while my father seemed touched and approving.
Now that I'm older, I see the river baptism in a different way...a way that people living in harsh conditions found meaning in their lives. Even my recent graduate position paper was focused on this acceptance in relation to my art work.
Have any others here witnessed the humble river baptism and reflected on it as I have?
Patty