The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

MARY COLE'S WORRY

ONCE AN OLD NEGRO WOMAN LIVING NEAR MY GRANDPARENTS'
HOME CAME RUNNING OVER TO THEIR HOUSE DURING A VIOLENT
THUNDERSTORM. SHE WAS AFRAID THAT THE THUNDERSTORM
WOULD KILL EVERYBODY IN THE HOUSE TO GET HER HUSBAND,
A NOTORIOUS LOAFER. MY GRANDMOTHER EXPLAINED TO HER,
"MARY, THE LORD JUST DOESN'T WORK THAT WAY. IF HE
WANTS WILL, HE'LL TAKE WILL, BUT HE'LL LEAVE THE
REST OF YOU."

Where learned: TENNESSEE ; BELLS

Date learned: 08-04-1968

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