Recently, a bird got in our house. Even though they are quite small, birds can be very spooky when they are in your house. My son and I were REAL jumpy, looking for this bird, almost afraid we would find it. I am sure it was comical watching as two he-men got chills up their spine when they saw this bird flapping by the window sill. My fearless wife had a bath towel ready in case she got the chance to capture the bird and set it free outside. My son and I were hoping she would catch it and save us the worry. The bird is now gone and we are all happy again (including the bird).

Some people think when a bird gets in your house, there will soon be a death in the family. This is an "old wives tale" that even some Christians believe. In contrast, some eastern cultures believe that any animals in your house mean good luck. I once knew a Korean woman who was ecstatic when a squirrel took up residence in her attic. Her husband was less than amused. Squirrels can cause alot of damage to a house. Neither belief has a basis in fact. Both are superstitions. Back to the "old wives" who are spreading these tales. Christians mask their superstition by attributing their fears to these old wives. They insist there is "some truth" to the old tales, when in reality, they are based in superstition. The only thing that happens when a bird gets in your house is that you have to get the bird out of your house. Period. Unless he is your pet parakeet, which apparently the old wives ignore.

I have often wondered who actually listened to the tales of these old wives and just how old you had to be to be considered an old wife.

More tales:

You are supposed to give someone a penny when you give them a knife as a gift. Otherwise your relationship with them can be somehow "cut".

To predict the sex of a baby: Suspend a wedding band held by a piece of thread over the palm of the pregnant girl. If the ring swings in an oval or circular motion the baby will be a girl. If the ring swings in a straight line the baby will be a boy.

If you make a bedspread, or a quilt, be sure to finish it or marriage will never come to you If a bee enters your home, it's a sign that you will soon have a visitor.

If you kill the bee, you will have bad luck, or the visitor will be unpleasant. A swarm of bees settling on a roof is an omen that the house will burn down.

If your right ear itches, someone is speaking well of you. If your left ear itches, someone is speaking ill of you.

If the bottom of your right foot itches, you are going to take a trip.

To drop a comb while you are combing your hair is a sign of a coming disappointment.

Some superstitious Christians gloss the truth over by explaining their superstitions as old wives tales. It does not matter what you call it, it is still superstition. So...how does God feel about it when one of his kids is superstitious? Hmmmmmm?? Superstitions attempt to describe the results of a particular action or behavior. The Bible has a completely different view when describing results of a particular behavior. Unbelievers will go to hell as punishment for their sins. Believers are forgiven by placing their faith in the one true Son of God. In reality, when you put your faith in a superstition or wives tale, you are attempting to predict the future. Is this false prophecy? Is it divination when you dangle a wedding ring over the hand of a pregnant woman in an effort to determine the sex of the child?

When you look closely at the belief in "old wives tales" it starts to look alot like witchcraft, doesn't it?

Just a thought. Why not discuss this with a Christian friend and see what they think. Maybe they will not think you are too crazy. {knock on wood}


- Rod.

• Topic: Devotionals

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