Thoughts from Mark "Hat" Rackley

Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

• Mark 13:11

They will still bear fruit in old age,
    they will stay fresh and green,
proclaiming, “The Lord is upright;
    he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”

• Psalm 92:14-15

The New Boilerplate

My wife filled a small book with “Angel” on the cover.  It was hidden with a box of crafting things.  On 18 July 2025, I thought I had posted the last of these.  But this little angel book held a prayer, followed by 71 quotes.  So, the “with a little help” series is back in business for a while.  And it will be fun for me.  She did not attribute any of the quotes.  The first, next week’s installment, is from James A. Garfield, the 20^th president of the USA.  The next one is disputed, with some thinking it originated with Teddy Roosevelt and others saying Fred Astaire.  After the prayer, these might be on the lighter side.

Her quote

“There are three periods in life: youth, middle age, and ‘how well you look.’”

• June Whitfield

The Discussion

June Whitfield (1925-2018) was not known to me, but I wife loved British Comedies.  She was active in acting for over 70 years.  For over 20 years, June Whitfield was “mother” on Absolutely Fabulous.  I think I saw one or two episodes, but I think my wife was a regular viewer.  Dame Whitfield always played supporting roles, not wanting the stress and worry that came with being the headliner star.  But even so, she was a star in her own right.

And her quote was directed solely toward men: “The three ages of man: youth, middle age and ‘my word you do look well’ (June Whitfield).”

My wife was a lifelong worrier.  And when she read the Scriptures about not worrying, even Jesus saying we should not worry, she worried about worrying.

But in a way, June Whitfield worried that taking the star role would add stress.

But then again, she did what God tells us to do.  We are to lift up those around us and avoid the spotlight.  We are not to worry.  And chasing money and fame leads to all kinds of trouble.

Hmmm. If I could pull that off, I wonder if the ladies might say, “My word, you do look well!”

I doubt it, but I can always dream…

Soli Deo Gloria.  Only to God be the Glory