A Voice from Above

A true story from the South.

A Voice from Above

 

By Elton Camp

 

           

            This is a true story from several decades ago before the dawning of the electronic age.  Children were far less savvy than today’s youngsters.  In rural Alabama many youngsters came from a background of religious fundamentalism.  Modern day miracles were taken for granted and divine intervention was a part of daily life. 

 

            My mother was employed at a newly-constructed elementary school.  The teachers agreed to take a daily break in the faculty lounge at mid-morning.  The advanced public address system allowed them to monitor individual rooms while they enjoyed their coffee. 

 

            It was the first day of school.  Mother had enjoined her class to remain quiet and have rest period while she was out of the room.  Since the term had just begun and her first graders were new to school, she listened in to her room and was annoyed to hear loud talking and childish laughter. 

 

            Pressing the Talk button, she demanded, “Are you children being good?” 

 

            Her voice boomed impressively into the room.  It was followed by several seconds of stunned silence from the surprised children.  The part of the country where she was working was impressed on her when an awestruck child responded to the invisible speaker, “Y-yes, Jesus.”