Empowerment

 

Empowerment

 

     Visions of pizza; thick, juicy hamburgers; tacos; bagels; pancakes; and ice cream have danced in my head for the past two weeks.  Why?

            I’m not sure.  I suspect the stress/depression/isolation of COVID-19 and the derecho damage to the community may have something to do with it.  I’m seeking comfort from the pain of living right now. 

            For many years, food was my drug of choice to escape pain and not just a little bit of food; I ate until my stomach hurt; until I hated myself, but the pain was gone—while I binged.  Will I ever forget the evening I ate a pound of whole wheat fig newtons and spent the whole night in the bathroom?

            Although I haven’t binged, in that way, for a long time, the beast of compulsive overeating lies quietly within me, waiting to roar, and it has the past couple of weeks.  How have I dealt with it?  I’ve white knuckled it.

            Silly me.  Finally, a couple of days ago, I realized, there’s an easier way—prayer.  Why do we forget God’s constant presence, constant love in our lives?  I suppose because we’re human.  But the Holy Spirit spoke to me, reminding me, “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:13, LBT).

            The craving for carbs may stalk me for a while, especially during this difficult time, but I don’t have to struggle with it on my own.  Isn’t that the answer to all our struggles—take them to the Lord and trust the Holy One, who loves us, to empower us?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Sharon Witty

Strength and Refreshing

September brings the beginning of the fall fruits. Some apples and grapes will be ready, others in October. I remember my mother pampering her Concord grapes in September. She worked hard to protect them from the birds and other varmints that would steal her fruit. 

I still think of apples and raisins as good-for-you foods, even though raisins are high in calories and carbs. It’s true raisins aren’t as healthy as their fresh version of grapes.

 

Fresh apples are a healthy fruit for snacking, rich in fiber. Unfortunately, I dream of all the wonderful desserts that can be made with apples: pies, crisps, cobbler and more. They aren’t so good for me, but they sure make me smile.

 

Enjoy the harvest bounty but be careful with the baked goods; I’ll try to stick to the fresh fruits full of flavor.

 

“Strengthen me with raisins

Refresh me with apples,” (Song of Songs 2:5 NIV).

 

By Gloria D. Stewart