Worry Warts

Back in the old days in small country towns, we were most times behind-the-times.

People often had weird-looking black spots and knots to surface on different parts of their bodies--their hands, fingers, arms, necks, and faces.

When one or more of us children mustered up enough nerves and asked some of the old-timers what those little black things were, we were told they were "worry warts."

Our little southern selves had no idea that the grown-ups were contributing to our country-bumpkin mentalities. So naturally, we started believing that "worry warts" grew on people and looked incredibly gross.

"When you go around worrying about stuff all the time," they cautioned us, "you're liable to get worry warts on your body. You see, worry is real bad for you."

As fictitious as our ancestors advice was on one hand, they were right on target about worry being bad. Surely, we're all aware in dealing with stress that worry tops the chart. And whether we "can't help it" or not, worrying is bad news.

Beyond that, worry is a sin. In Matthew 6:25, Jesus specifically tells us "Do not worry." Anytime Jesus tells us to not do a thing and we do it anyway, it is a _ _ _?

So now, let's bring it all out in the open. Who's walking around worried? Are you? Truth be told, a couple of days here and there, I feared looking in the mirror. Feared there would be "worry warts" all up and down and crossways my body.

For stress-survivors one of the highest recommended ways to banish worry is by prayer and supplication to God. Stop right where you are, sit down, and tell God all about (not that He doesn't already know).

When we offer our genuine faith to the Lord, and allow Him to comfort and control us, things supernaturally begin to change.

Peace I leave with you . . .