Pastor Mike Nodland of the Christian Fellowship Church in Vining, IA.

Some ads live on in infamy. On Feb. 21, 1931, the famous Alka-Seltzer advertisement emerged to miraculously claim relieve from no less than aching heads, feverish aches, a cold, upset gut, stomach jumps, discomforts, muscular aches, acid indigestion and heartburn!

Simply a mixture of aspirin, bicarbonate soda and citric acid, “Speedy,” the little Alka-Seltzer boy-tablet, sing-sang America through post World War 2 in 1951 and became one of the most beloved cartoon characters, promising “speedy” relief from whatever ails you!

But then, in 1971, “Ralph ” replaced Speedy in one of the most famous quips of all time. He is the husband who ate too much, and sits at the edge of his bed, bemoaning his recent gouging with the outcry, “I can’t believe I ate that whole thing!” To which we hear his wife trying to sleep through his agony, reply, “No, Ralph,” I ate it!” And by the way, “Ralph” literally means “vomit!”

Some OTC drugs mask serious indigestion problems, hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) causing spasms/seizures, and osteoporosis (weaking/breaking bones).

How we wish for something with no side effects, but only the good stuff to help us. Here’s one Over-the-Counter that’s the only One I know of: Jesus Christ. No plop, no fizz, just all pop and biz!