Winning Words 7/21/11
“No one really knows enough to be a pessimist.” (Norman Cousins) Not long ago I heard that TV stations try to capture their audience with, “FEAR.” Think about the news and about the weather reporting. Politicians do it, too. The concept of “Hell” is another example. FEAR! There’s a song, “His eye is on the sparrow,” which reminds me that God is in charge. Look for the words on the blog. ;-) Jack

HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW

why should I feel discouraged
and why should the shadows come
why should my heart feel lonely
and long for heaven and home

when Jesus is my portion
a constant friend is He
His eye is on the sparrow
and I know He watches over me
His eye is on the sparrow
and I know He watches over me

I sing because I'm happy
I sing because I'm free
His eye is on the sparrow
and I know He watches me

FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: Didn't some politician once say--maybe it was Churchill--we have nothing to fear except fear itself? As you yourself are pointing out to us here in your WW.////FROM JACK: It was FDR, as he began his first term as president in 1932. The Great Depression was in its beginning stages. Then, as now, a depressed economy causes fear among the populace.////MORE FROM SH: Fr. Prus, a Catholic priest in Ferndale, says and really believes, that "everything happens for a reason." I too believe this. He is in control, not us. The sooner we surrender to Him, the sooner we will find peace.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: My husband and I seldom watch the news anymore. We can get the weather on the internet and there's really nothing else on the news except horror and fear. The news channels should be rated R like the tv programs! Some people seem to feed off of fear and use it all the time. I like the words of the Veggie tale..."God is bigger than the boogie man, bigger than Godzilla and the monsters on tv...God is bigger than the boogie man and He watching over you and me!"////FROM JACK: I was once walking along in the twilight and passed a mother and her small child. I heard the boy ask his mother, "Is that the Boogie Man?" We learn to fear at an early age.////OJ AGAIN: That must have left a bad taste in your mouth. Did you speak to the child? I'm sure the mom did if you didn't. We do learn fear early. With age, we fear but different things. Now I fear illiness.

FROM JL IN MICHIGAN: FEAR= False Evidence Appearing Real////FROM JACK: I like acrostics. Joyful, Unusual, Discerner, Yauld.

FROM CZB IN COLORADO: I think the choir sang the sparrow song at our church a few weeks back. First time I heard it- pretty.////FROM JACK: It was written over 100 years ago and is based on Matthew 10:29-31.

FROM ANI: I never cared much for this song until a woman sang it in church years ago. Her interpretation struck me like a bolt. When I feel small and insignificant, I remember that the sparrow and me have a place with God.////FROM JACK: Some hymns affect the foot (toe tappers); some are emotional; others make you think; but they're really good when they affect the foot, the heart and the mind.

FROM TAMPA SHIRL: That is all why it is better to be an optimist. Your blog is interesting and to the point.Speaking of weather, it is pretty hot down here, even for Florida. Thanks goodness for air conditioning.
////FROM JACK: It's also true that no one knows enough to be an optimist. Even being a realist has its problems. How does one know that the real world is really real? Oops! Maybe the heat is affecting my mind. Too much philosophy for a hot day.////MORE FROM TS: The real world has changed a lot in our life time, or so it seems. Think of all the adjustments we have had to make in these years, but when you watch the History Channel, you see that some things never change- like good and evil.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: I guess you could twist this to say "No one really knows enough to be an Optimist" as well, but it is more satisfying to think and hope for the best! I love that song, His Eye Is on the Sparrow, and always think of Ethel Waters, and her biography. That was her theme song, and it is a good one. I KNOW HE WATCHES ME!" I (like?) Joan Baez's song, "Any Good News?" too... asking why we always have to concentrate on the Bad News?! There's certainly a lot in our World to be sad about, but there is also a lot to be thankful for. Upward and Onward my friends! "It is always possible to give thanks for what is given, rather than to complain about what is got given. One or the other becomes a habit for life." Elisabeth Eliott////FROM JACK: I belong to an organization called, The Optimist Club. Their creed begins, "Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind, to talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet." It sounds as though you already belong to that club.

FROM WATERFORD ANNE: Is Cousins the author of Anatomy of an Illness which promoted humor to overcome sickness?////FROM JACK: He is. No one really knows enough to be an expert on illness.