This Side of Darkness

Born in 1905 to poor parents in Appalachia, Luther Grady began life in a remarkable fashion. Whether a portent of great things to come or simply the amniotic sac, a diaphanous skin covered the infant's face. This caul, according to the superstitious Nanny Jacobs, was an omen of greatness. Luther's father, however, was a hard working man of righteousness. He had no use for superstition or the frail child born by his timid wife. He needed a child of physical strength. Both blessed and cursed by the veil behind which he was born, Luther approached life as did any child of the time. If not for the prophetic visions and the ceaseless voices, Luther might have gone through his many years unrecognized. Whether or not it was greatness that befell Luther, he lived his life in his own manner and found faith where faith could be found. When in doubt, he turned to the voices and let them lead him so that he might lead those who turned to him for direction.