Blimey, It's a Limey

British sailors have traditionally been called "Limeys." The term originated in 1747, when Dr. James Lind proved experimentally that the antidote for the dreaded disease of scurvy was citrus fruits, like limes, which were ususally not available on long sea voyages (the critical element, vitamin C was identified much later). Becoming "lime-eaters," the sailors were "Limeys."

The statistics were overwhelming. More seamen died or were incapacitated from scurvy than from all other diesases, naval battles, marine mishaps, accidents, and shipwrecks combined. Dr. Lind's simple recommendation saved the lives of countless sailors.

For the varied problems that plague mankind God's providence has provided simple remedies - many  of which he has revealed. The most urgent ones are the spritual problems, and the solutions for these include a wide range of such things as prayers of petition for healing or deliverance, faith, grace, Bible study, spiritual counseling, contrition, the sacraments and sacramentals, the use of charismatic gifts, and information from teaching and preaching. Certainly the solution for any spiritual problem is available; God's revelation has not left us in ignorance.

If you have an ongoing spiritual problem, then probably you're not using an available remedy - or not using it effectively. God's armamentarium is well stocked. Use it with deep gratitude.

This excerpt is from the book One-Minute Meditations for Busy People, by John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/video recordings can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408 or www.Catholicbooks.net