Taking a break from the usual time in the studio, Keith presents a short series from the world of old time radio. Despite being about 70 years old, the topic of marriage is timeless. Times may have changed, but the drama in relationships is as old as the first relationship. These radio shorts were written by Carlton E Morse, and featured well known radio actors of the day. Though Carlton E Morse wasn’t particularly known as being overtly religious, from the scripts he was famous for on radio, he clearly had strong religious upbringing. His observations on human relationships also shine in the advice and counseling he offers here.

There is little known about the Upper Room program, and no other shows exist, other than those presented today. Dates are unknown, but are from 1947.

So You Want to Stay Married. A 6 part series.

1 Those Whom God Hath Joined Together.

Bursting with excitement and emotion, Barbara and Tom share the news of their engagement with her father. Dad is all for the marriage, but wants to offer some substantial advice, to guard against the time when the initial emotion and excitement wears off. His claim: Unpleasant emotions stem from fear.

His advice falls into a few basic points.

* Security, not of money. Security in each other.

* Affection. Not romantic love, but a love that grows through the years, even through difficult times.

* Recognition. Living in, and for each other.

Has all this scared Tom and Barbara away from marriage? No way.

2,) For Richer, for Poorer.

Against her father’s advice, Laura married Fred, but that was 20 years ago. At the outset, Fred showed no visible signs of support, but with love and ambition, they opened a service station together. Hard work pays off in early successes, but life brings tragedies that mean a lifetime of barely making a living. Through ordeals of loss, a strong chord of love was tied to bond the couple together.

As children arrive, Laura sees teaching the kids honesty, integrity, citizenship, faith in God, and love mean more than success in making money. Through the ebb and flow of fortunes, the comfort that a good marriage is built, is important to her as well.

3. Romantic Life VS Marital Love.

Howard and Mary Andrews tell their story. Each see the good qualities in the other, but something was missing in their lives for the intellectual couple. Having been trained in the matters of religion as children, they both had left it behind them. When Howard felt compelled to wander into the local church, their lives were revived with the counseling of the minister.

Reacquainting them with a few fundamental basics on love, the minister reminds them of facts that any young couple should know before getting married. love survives a test, while romance fades like the mist. Enduring, realistic love grows.

The Andrews are reminded that being honest with each other is important, even at the risk of a little conflict. Wearing a mask of deceit only grows resentment. It’s OK to share emotions, or disapproval. Sometimes an unrealistic self image needs to be revealed, so the other will be aware, and healing can begin. As weaknesses are cleaned out, strengthening, growth, and joy can begin. The minister relaunches them on the right track with prayer.

4. Slings and Arrows of Outrageous Fortune.

Where there is marriage, there is conflict. Differences of opinion are discovered, and lead to dissolution. A fight is ripe to explode when David gets home from work. His attitude sets off Elizabeth, who is annoyed over hearing about the secretary at the office.

Thinking rationally, and drawing from a book on marriage, David diffuses the problem, and gets to the root of the matter. Some of the book’s advice include: Don’t let silly little things cause fights. Lashing out is a way of relieving tensions that built up.