Pennsylvania - The First Home for the Salvation Army in the U.S. The Salvation Army came to the United States in 1880 when Commissioner George Railton and seven women workers from England formed a branch. We are all familiar with the Salvation Army and, more than likely, all of us image the bell ringers and Salvation Army money kettles featured in shopping malls across the country at Christmas time.
Its beginnings go back to 1865, and William Booth, a Methodist minister, and his wife, Catherine, founded what is now an international organization, in Great Britain around 1880. William, known as the "General," preached to the poor, and Catherine, the "Mother of the Salvation Army" spoke to the wealthy to gain monetary support for their missionary work. They had a simple approach: "the three ‘S's' - administering to the "down and outs" with, first, soup; second, soap; and finally, salvation. 
Their movement grew to a Church, and its mission is to bring Christian salvation to the poor, destitute and hungry by meeting both their physical and spiritual needs. It has a quasi-military structure. Today, its outreach extends throughout the entire world - it can be found in our small towns as well as in third world nations with its missionary outreach.
The Standard of the Salvation Army is its flag. Other emblems are The Crest, The Red Shield, The Uniform and The Salute. At some instances, The Salute is accompanied with a shout of "hallelujah."
NORMA JEAN
HALLELUJAH ! - NORMA JEAN was born into a Salvation Army family in Pennsylvania, her father a Minister in the Church of the Salvation Army. She grew up in the typical lifestyle of many Salvation Army families, attending camps in the Summer, traveling the world and living in remote regions doing missionary work with her family, participating in the great music events of their church, living a faith filled life dedicated to service.
I've learned about Norma Jean indirectly through her very best girlhood friend, Sharon, who also grew up in the Salvation Army and whose father is also a Minister in the Church. They were fun loving and filled with the "devil" so to speak, when it came to having a good time. Summer camps were filled with pranks and adventures. Many sleepovers were shared between them; they grew up double dating and even loving some of the same guys.
Norma Jean was diagnosed with cancer when she was 17. She went on and made a career in the Salvation Army and rose to the rank of Captain. She married her high school sweetheart and had 3 children. She battled cancer until she was just shy of being 40, at which time she succumbed. Her funeral was conducted at the Manhattan Temple, a Celebration of Life, at which a thousand or more attended. The 40-piece staff band played. She was bald, as she wished to be shown, with a smile on her glorious face.
Why do I bring you her story? Norma Jean lived life to its fullest. In spite of battling cancer for more than half her life, she always viewed her life as the glass that is "half full" rather than "half empty." She proclaimed that she lived more of life in her shortened stay than most do who live a long life. She was grateful for the great life she had. She was joyful, devout, spiritual and full of unbreakable faith. She was dedicated to the mission of the Salvation Army - a true Soldier Angel.
I've included a song here Norma Jean would have loved and that is all about how Norma Jean lived her life, though sick - full of fun and full of life. Please, the next time you pass one of those kettles, please pause and think of this story of Norma Jean, and all the other good soldiers out there who so much need our support. The Salvation Army and Norma Jean - two beautiful things!
Norma Jean - Amazing Grace!
She'll be square-dancin', toe-tappin'
She'll be kickin' up her heels to the Cotton-Eyed Joe
Music and laughter, gonna raise the rafters
A little boot-slidin' across the floor
Do a little hand-holdin', hay-rollin'
Strollin' with her honey by her side
Dixie cups and paper plates
Fiddle tunes and Amazin' Grace
Hallelujah gonna raise the barn tonight!
PLEASE REMEMBER TO GIVE WITH YOUR HEART AND TO GIVE GENEROUSLY:
Free clip art: http://www.sacollectables.com/graphics.html
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