I was born in the last hours of 1967 to the point that I have sometimes been tempted to say I was born in1968 to shave off a year of age. But age is just a number, so 1967 it is.
There were times in my life when I would think back to the fact that I was born during the Vietnam War. How blessed I was that God delivered me to Southern Louisiana on rolling grassy hills rather than a rice field in a war-torn village. Many of us born in America can share these thoughts.
One day I was thrift shopping when I came across a large book titled The World in 1967. I am sure this came from a set of books much like an encyclopedia. But for a couple of bucks, I thought it would be interesting to buy it for a good read over morning coffee. It turned out to be several reads with a gasp here and there. I don't think any of us really stop to think about how much actually happens on our spinning planet in the summation of 365 days.
In January of 1967 --- before my mother was even expecting me --- there was the Apollo disaster, Bobby Baker was put on trial. Jack Ruby was murdered, and the Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl. Then in February bigger battles erupted in Vietnam. Death tolls rose, and there was a massive Penthouse restaurant fire, a CIA tie up with students, and news of a nefarious Boston Strangler.
With the arrival of spring and news to my parents that they would have their second child, there was more news of sports titles and championships, a Russian cosmonaut killed, more trials, political moves and visits, and continued war. Baby furniture was being purchased in Hammond, Louisiana as doctor visits were scheduled and a big brother was wrapping up his first year of school.
By June there was war in the Middle East and racial violence was erupting in the south pretty much in our own backyard as news of integration was spreading. Ronald Reagan was Governor of California. And by July racial tensions skyrocketed, causing that season to be named "The Longest Summer." Just six months into the year of 1967, while reading the pages it seemed the world was exploding, screaming and crying into the heavens.
As Autumn approached Vietnam continued to be a source of chaos, Hippies were on the rise screaming "Love not War." Civil rights demonstrations were continuing to heat up in the south. Investigations continued over the death of President Kennedy. reaching the City of New Orleans.
Talks of ending the Vietnam war were beginning. Space explorations were advancing. The US economy set an expansion record. And wrapping up the year there was a White House wedding, the first successful heart transplant, and at 11:30 at night as the year would soon give way to a new one, Callie was born, totally oblivious to the blood, sweat, tears, and laughter that had been taking place.
A lot can happen in a year. As life grows in a womb and others take a final breath mankind continues to move forward, leaving a dust of history.
In a way it makes a person seem somewhat small when compared to the "Big Picture" and yet at the same time, one great piece to the giant puzzle. All these events were driven by people. Every war, championship, trip to the moon, and chanting hippie was brought about by those with a small quiet beginning. Much like that one in a stable. And after reading this book, boy do we need Him.
