Dismiss all anxiety from your mind; instead, present your needs to God through prayer and petition, giving thanks for all circumstances. Then God’s own peace, which is beyond all understanding, will stand guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
There is something comforting and relaxing when we are enjoying the company of family and friends as we sit on the screened porch or around the den listening to stories of where we came from and what happened throughout the years. This telling and re-telling of stories helps us to remember from whence we’ve come and who we are, precious children of God.
With the erratic behavior of the stock market, the politics in Washington, the sweltering heat, children returning to school, the bills piling up, the unknown of a medical test or just waiting on the results, and the uncertainty that often accompanies life itself, it would not be surprising if our hearts were touched by a bit of anxiety. And yet, here are the words of Paul encouraging us to dismiss all anxiety from our minds and focus instead on thanksgiving. Oh that it were that easy!
I remember hearing Maw King (the aunt who helped raise my Dad and my surrogate grandmother) telling us stories of the difficulties they faced in Western Cullman County in the 1930s following my grandfather’s untimely death in February, 1928. She had married and they were trying their best to make it farming. They were so poor that they lived in a cabin with a dirt floor, no well or milk cow. She would walk to her sister’s house (my Aunt Ollie) to get water and milk, sometimes some vegetables with a baby girl (Nadine) and small boy (Lester) in tow. She was a little lady, about 5 ft. 1 in. and about 95 pounds. She would make the best of a situation. She planted a garden, raised some chickens, collected the eggs to sell them to the ‘rolling store’ so she could buy coffee, sugar and flour. She washed her clothes at the creek. She’d heat up the stove with wood, iron the clothes with a heavy iron that would have to be heated up on the stove, bathe the children in a big galvanized wash tub, always keeping a positive attitude and telling the kids stories of times past. She was an over-comer. Her faith in God kept her going. She and Papaw had to provide for their family. They didn’t have much, but what she did have and give away freely was love. She loved babies and always walked you to your car, hugging and kissing you, telling you to come back soon. You were always made to feel so very special and welcome to sit around her table. In fact, she might get her feelings hurt if you didn’t eat with her.
I remember two weeks before Maw King died in 1991, my Dad and Mom were living in Huffman. Dad called and said, ‘What are you doing?” I said, just tending to Trent (who wasn’t quite two years old…Bradley and his Mom were gone somewhere, I don’t’ remember). Dad said, “Come down and eat supper with us.” I said, “Ok.” It was sometime in early February, I believe. We came to the back door, whereupon to my great surprise, there sat Maw King in the gliding chair in the den. She jumped up, stretched out her arms, kissed and hugged us. She immediately grabbed Trent and held him in her lap, bumping him up and down, talking to him and telling him how beautiful he was. As she held him, she began telling her stories of her younger days. We never grew tired of hearing them, over and over again. She always had us captivated. Nobody could tell a story like my Maw King. She taught me to garden, cook, clean and how to survive. I miss her greatly, but know she’s in that ‘Great Cloud of Witnesses.’ We will see her again. As the book says…”Heaven is For Real!”
So my friend, why don’t you uncurl the fingers of your tight fisted hand. Recognize the tight grip and finger by finger, gently let go. It is then that you’ll be able to offer God your concerns, fears, and uncertainties of life. You’ll be now in a position to identify, if not even receive, the refreshing and gentle Peace of God that is beyond your understanding. Somewhere in that relinquishment there is a shift from actively gripping to a more relaxed, peaceful life given by God. Join me today and let go of those things which encumber your life, and rest, knowing that God is standing guard over your heart and mind.
Dear Lord, in all the happenings of life thank you for Your Peace. Help me to let go of those things that weigh me down knowing that You are in control. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
As we serve together, I remain your friend,
Mark David Jackson
