Running Barefoot

by Amy Harmon

Your individual worth comes from keeping your promises and being a man of character.

Jane Eyre’s worth came from her sterling character.

Some things can’t be explained or shared; they tend to lose their luster when passed around.

“Where was the Jane Eyre of yesterday? Where was her life? Where were her prospects? Jane Eyre, who had been an ardent expectant woman—almost a bride—was a cold, solitary girl again: her life was pale; her prospects desolate.”

Human beings are not designed to be alone. Our creator gave us smooth, sensitive skin that craves the warmth of other skin. Our arms seek to hold. Our hands yearn to touch. We are drawn to companionship and affection out of an innate need.

“Immanent: dwelling in nature and the souls of men.” His eyes met mine seriously.

THERE ARE SUPPOSED to be links between math, music, and astronomy—some of the greatest composers have been avid star-watchers. The connections between math and music made sense—although there is more to the connection than timing, counting, and notes on a line. In fact, there is something neurological that occurs in the brain when certain types of music are played. That neurological change is said to positively affect our mathematical abilities. I’d been fascinated by what some researchers have called the Mozart Effect, and have used the study to convince more than one mother to keep her struggling child in piano lessons.

I was always struck by the idea that we become what we surround ourselves by,”

“So if you marry me, in fifty years my hair will start to curl and my eyes will be a brilliant blue?”

Do you know that the United States Government OWNS more than half of the land out west? As much as 60% of the land in some states. The government goes in and takes the land in the name of the people, but what it is doing is taking the land from the people. The founding fathers, as well as a few of the great chiefs, would be rolling in their graves if they knew about the land grab that has happened by our own government.”

There were no tears when Samuel and his grandmother said their goodbyes the next morning.

I turned from them, embarrassed to find my own eyes were moist when theirs were not. I guess I just didn’t like goodbyes.

“Thank you for coming. Samuel loves you. You love Samuel. Go and be happy.”

“Oh Josie,” Samuel sighed gently. “Your heart is too tender for your own good.” “I don’t usually cry like this, Samuel. Geez, it’s been years since I’ve cried like this. Since you’ve been back I can’t seem to stop. It’s like a cloud has burst inside me, and I’m caught in a constant downpour.” “Come here, Josie,” Samuel said, and when I slid over next to him he kissed me gently on the forehead and smoothed my hair from my damp cheeks. “Well then, maybe you should go ahead and just let it rain for a while.”

They didn’t have a Bible to teach their children about a loving Savior, His atonement, and a life after this one. I think many of our legends are an attempt to explain what they didn’t understand—including where they came from and why they existed. They wanted to know what we all want to know. Who am I? Why am I here?”

“You asked me if you were the girl I loved best.” Now I didn’t respond. “You’re not the girl I love best, Josie.” My shoulders tightened against rejection. “You’re the only girl I’ve ever loved,”

Growing up and moving out is not the same thing as leaving, and you can’t think of it like that.”

“The way I see it Josie, is God knows your heart.” My dad’s eyes never left mine, and we both wept unabashedly. “He took Kasey away for a reason. Kasey was not for you. You would never have seen that on your own. I know you’ve thought God turned his back on you. But He’s looked

out for you, Josie. He’s prepared someone for you who can love every part of you. I don’t want you holdin’ back all your life, sharing yourself in doses that people will accept. If Samuel is man enough to take it all, every last drop...then I hope you know where Samuel is…because I expect you to find him.”

“And true love suffereth long, and is kind; true love envieth not; true love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil. True love rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; true love beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. True love never faileth…”

When I’m with you a similar phenomenon occurs. I hear music. Wherever you go, I’ll follow. I just want to be with you. Will you marry me? I love you, Josie

I MARRIED SAMUEL Yates a month later, the day after Thanksgiving, in the beautiful chapel in Levan.

“If I didn’t know better, Josie, I’d think you were in love.”

“I have a Navajo name for you too, Josie. I gave it to you long ago. My Chitasie,” Samuel murmured. “What does it mean?” “Teacher.”

LIKE THE MAIN character in my book, I grew up in Levan, Utah.

A wise person once told me that if we don’t know each other’s stories, how can we learn to respect and love one another?

‘Spiritual Lives of the Great Composers’ by Patrick Kavanaugh,

She released a Christian Blues CD in 2007 called “What I Know”–also available on Amazon and wherever digital music is sold. Her first two books, “Running Barefoot” and “Slow Dance in Purgatory” are rich with humor, heart, and fast paced story telling.