Get The FunderCast Direct to Your Device Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | Podcast Index | TuneIn | Deezer | RSS | More
Ipecac. No, I’m not talking about the story of the headless horseman. I’m talking about syrup. And this ain’t from Aunt Jemima or even Cousin T’s.Ipecac syrup is some kinda tough stuff.
In fact, ipecac is what they use in medical situations (poisonings, etc.) to induce vomiting. So, obviously it’s not something your body needs or wants.
And yet, would you believe people have used it (and somebody probably is even as you read this) to look good? Well, sort of.
One famous example is Karen Carpenter, who died at the prime age of 32. She died of a cardiac arrest at her parent’s house on this day, February 4, back in 1983. And the coroner’s report listed the cause of death as “imbalances associated with anorexia nervosa.” Yeah, Karen used ipecac syrup to vomit so she could lose weight and look slim and good, according to her misguided standards.
What a sad story. And a sad loss. Because she was SO talented. In fact, she had one of the purest voices in pop music. Ever. Plus, she could even play drums so well that she was voted best rock drummer of 1975. Go figure.
Karen, and her brother Richard, better known as The Carpenters, won Grammy awards for best song and best performance by a pop duo, for We’ve Only Just Begun, in 1971. They won the Grammy for best album of the year again in 1972. And they won the American Music Awards best pop duo in 1975. They were also nominated for lots of other awards. Back when awards weren’t some weird freak show.
Yeah, looks can deceive.
Because soon after their first awards and successes in 1970 Karen’s self image problems started. And they never really went away until she finally did in 1983.
It’s a little bit ironic that someone who appeared to have a heart to help and please others would die from ipecac syrup which destroys the heart muscles.
If you’ve never heard Karen sing, do yourself a favor today. Watch her sing “Superstar.” You can see it on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJmmaIGiGBg
Check out what the world lost because of a low self-image problem. And I hope it inspires you to trust in God’s view of you instead of your own. Because once life on Earth is done the next phase is forever.
Understanding
It isn’t always easy.
It isn’t always hard.
The choice is yours to play
The winning or losing card.
It isn’t always visible.
It isn’t always hidden.
There is a light so beautiful,
You’ll think that it’s forbidden.
Oh, I believe in understanding,
In understanding each other.
Sooner or later you’ll find the key,
The key to the heart of your brother.
It isn’t always peaceful.
It isn’t always loud.
Sometimes you find yourself alone.
Sometimes you’re in a crowd.
It isn’t always happy.
It isn’t always sad,
And with a little understanding…
It isn’t always bad.
© 1978
Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. When you do, I’ll send you links to 2 songs and 2 books that adults AND kids enjoy right away. Then, I’ll send you flashes of light from the faith, hope, and the power of God’s love.
Stay tuned,
