Thursday, June 19, 2014

In God We Trust

In God We Trust
By Sharon Crowe – May 15, 2014

Coming from a below-poverty household as a young child, I would always find extreme pleasure and joy in finding money on the ground.  Even though I was only just a little girl, I appreciated the fact of what I could buy with that money.  If I found a penny, I could buy bubble gum.  If I found a nickel, I could buy a whole candy bar or 4 jaw breakers.  If I found a dime, I could buy a bottle of soda; and joy of joys, if I found a quarter, I could buy a loaf of bread to share with my family, and a ½ stick of margarine! Bonanza!!! 

Consequently, I was always walking around with my head down.  As I walked along my street, my neighbors would admonish me to lift my head high; to walk proudly.  I never mentioned to them my purpose for walking with my head down. My thought was that it was none of their business.  Why didn’t they just leave me alone?  However, I was raised by a mother who spent countless hours teaching us “good manners”, and a healthy respect for adults.  So I would lift my head, smile, and say, “Yes, Ma’am” or “Yes, Sir.”

On one such occasion, one of my neighbors, Mrs. Edyline Jakes, (she lived in the corner house on my street), called me over as I was headed home.  It was a glorious day!  I had found 48 cents!!! I was happily thinking of all the things I could buy with that money.  If my mother allowed it, I could actually use nine cents to go to the movies with my friends that Saturday.  I was in heaven.

So, when Mrs. Jakes called my name, I pretended I didn’t hear her. I didn’t want her to ruin my fun.  Mrs. Jakes had the habit of always asking subtle questions about what was going on in your home and life.  I dreaded any conversations with her as she was an expert at digging information out of any person, child or adult.  My mother had already lectured us repeatedly on the mandate that “what goes on in our house, stays in our house.”  I wondered how I was going to win the information battle that day.  I was only 7 years old, but I lifted my chin, put a smile on my face, said a quick prayer for God’s help, and girded myself for battle.

Surprise! Surprise!  When I walked over to Mrs. Jakes, she asked me how much money I had found that day.  I looked at her with rounded eyes; I was absolutely stunned.  How did she know what I had been doing?  As I looked up at her she laughed, and said she used to do the same thing when she was a little girl.  She asked me to show her one of my coins, and then instructed me to look at the words printed on the coin.  Of course, on each coin were the words, “In God We Trust”.

Mrs. Jakes asked if I had ever given any thought to what those words actually meant.  I had to admit I had not.  She asked if I truly believed that I could trust God for all of my needs.  I had to admit again I hadn’t given it a lot of thought.  I was only 7 years old after all, and my thoughts were mostly directed at fun, food, friends, and school.

Well, that day Mrs. Jakes gave me a lesson on what it means to trust in God.  She actually had her Bible in her lap and read to me two verses from Psalm.  Many years later, I don’t remember the actual verses, but I would like to believe that they were Psalm 84: 12, “O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” , and  Psalm 9:10, “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” 

I remember Mrs. Jakes telling me that no matter the circumstances, issues, or situations I may face in my life that I should always seek the Lord and trust in Him.  I believe she knew it might not have much meaning for me at such a young age, but felt it was never too early to start learning about the goodness of God.  I regularly attended church, but with some young kids, the bible lessons didn’t always “stick”.  Mrs. Jakes also mentioned that I should continue to follow the word and promises of God, no matter what difficulties or challenges came my way. She shared with me that life could be hard, sometimes almost unbearable, but that I should never give up, and just keep trusting and believing that God answers prayers and keeps his promises to His people.

Whenever I see a penny on the ground today, I might not pick it up, but I do reaffirm every time and daily that, “In God I Trust.”  Do you really trust in the Lord?   I pray that you do.

If you are wondering how I remember the scriptures came from the Book of Psalm, Mrs. Jakes rewarded me with two crisp $1.00 bills for memorizing the two scriptures.  Time has dimmed the actual verses I memorized, but the lesson has never been forgotten and has helped carry me over the rough patches of life.  I was also told to pay God first that Sunday, but the rest was all mine to do with as I pleased.  Oh, Happy Day!!  O Happy Girl! Do I trust in God today?  ABSOLUTELY!!! 

So be blessed and below are five additional scriptures to read, and perhaps memorize on trusting God, our Heavenly Father. 

Psalm 20:7                                                     2 Samuel 7:28
Psalm 13:5                                                      Proverbs 28:26
Daniel 6:23

Keep the faith and live joyfully in Christ!