Issue 930 – What, Me Worry? – December 8, 2022
If you recognize this face, you are most likely over 50. Alfred E Neuman, with his big missing tooth smile, large ears and freckles, first appeared in 1954 in Mad Magazine and made his first cover appearance in 1956. Nothing ever fazed him.
Alfred was the subject of many lawsuits, as many people claimed that Mad had stolen their image. To the best of my knowledge, Mad always prevailed in the courts.
Alfred E. Neuman was so closely associated with the magazine that they reported a letter was mailed to them with a picture of Neuman where the address should have been. The US Postal Service delivered the letter to the company’s office on MADison Avenue in New York.
Mad was a satirical magazine that took on virtually every topic. I’m not sure if it is still being published, but it was alive and well in 2020. It skewered movies, books, politicians and world affairs with a biting wit. Regular features such as “Spy vs Spy” and “The Lighter Side of” were always a delight.
His tagline “what, Me Worry?” was only changed for one issue. After the Three Mile Island accident in 1979, it appeared as “Yes, Me Worry.” Virtually nothing ever got to Alfred. Whether that was because he had an unflappable nature or simply didn’t understand what was going on has been the subject of debate.
I’m not suggesting that we all become like Mr. Neuman, other than to recognize that perhaps he understood something we don’t. Worry is pointless.
We serve a sovereign, omnipotent God who promises to work all things for our good. Even when things seem harder than we can handle, God is still in control.
The Word admonishes us not to worry.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. John 14:1
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:25-34
The Lord doesn’t expect us to bury our heads in the sand and ignore everything. We still need to be aware of and responsive to our circumstances. In that awareness, we can still trust Jesus.
I pray you lay your cares on the Lord and leave the worrying to Him.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2022 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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