Article May 6, 2013 Issue

Staying on top of the news

Michelle Nanouche

A version of this article initially appeared as a Web original on JSH-Online.com.

The book of Proverbs says, “As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country” (25:25). But sometimes another kind of thirst takes over when the news isn’t so good. The media often feed an unhealthy appetite for details of sad events. If we aren’t alert, bad news can be intoxicating, luring us into tales of horror that paralyze us mentally. The book of Isaiah describes “a thirsty man [who] dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite” (29:8).

Thirst for news is as normal as thirst for water. But where we turn for news, and what we do with it afterward, makes a huge difference.

Years ago, the sudden death of a young child actress became a major reporting event in the United States. Experts spelled out in great detail the symptoms and risks associated with her condition. A strong pull to these reports kept me glued to the television for days—until my own 17-month-old daughter fell suddenly ill, exhibiting most of the symptoms described on the news.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

About the author

Michelle Nanouche is a Christian Science practitioner and teacher, and a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship. She's based in Paris, France.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Spiritual Lens
Baptism
May 6, 2013
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit