As the title indicates, Popeye might be my favorite cartoon character. On his own, he is just an average sailor. When powered by spinach, he is mighty.

As any sailor, Popeye has strengths. His strengths are not superhuman. He is loyal. He is considerate. He loves his friends and holds a special place in his heart for Olive Oyl. Against the odds, he fights for right and justice. Most of the time, his strengths are not enough to defeat his arch-enemy, Bluto. That is until he consumes a whole can of spinach.

Once possessed with the full power of spinach, Popeye becomes superhuman. The task at hand, not only defeating Bluto, saving Olive Oyl from harm, and cleaning or straightening up any damage is quickly and efficiently accomplished.

It’s a reminder to me that we all need to draw strength sometimes from an outside source of power, when our efforts on our own strength alone is not enough.

Why did the cartoonist choose spinach? Google AI sources summarize that “Cartoonist E.C. Segar chose spinach as Popeye’s source of strength because the leafy green was widely praised at the time as a healthy, energy-boosting food that helped combat malnutrition.” During and due to the Depression, public health campaigns urged families to eat more vegetables.

I am in favor of healthcare and the importance of taking care of our bodies. I think reading and conversation strengthens one’s mental health. But one thing we often neglect is our spiritual wellbeing. Probably because it is difficult to do, especially on our own power.

Galatians 6:2 states: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” There is not enough of this happening in our world today. This may be especially true in America with the those claiming to make the U.S. a Christian nation or bring it back to its Christian roots.

Examining this verse carefully, caring for one another fulfills Christ’s law. On my own with my individual burdens, more burdens to carry is difficult. Denying my rights, taking up this cross, in other words sacrificing myself to help someone else is impossible. I need an outside force to give me the strength to do the impossible.

It will eventually become too burdensome. People won’t respond in-kind. Some may take advantage of my kindness. Some will not appreciate it. I need some Spinach.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28-30.

That’s my Spinach. What’s yours?

Categories: Inspiration

Tagged as: dailyprompt dailyprompt-2881

Douglas Knight

I have the rich life full of a sinner wounded by misunderstanding and punishment but blessed by mercy and forgiveness.