A Few Good Words

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Some of Abraham Lincoln's possessions were found in his pocket at the time he was shot: between other things, eight newspaper clippings praising his accomplishments were particularly precious to him.

Reflections on the words of the thief and their value to Jesus.

Kind words are both appreciated and rare. When Abraham Lincoln was shot at the Ford Theater, they took his body to a boarding house across the street. When they emptied his pockets, they found two pairs of spectacles, a five-dollar bill, pocketknife, watch fob, and eight newspaper clippings praising his accomplishments. One of these was especially significant to Lincoln, as noted by its yellowed age and nearly broken creases. He obviously reread this on many occasions.

Up until this time in Lincoln's life, he was one of the most disliked men in the country. Newspapers either considered him a dictator or a weakling. Some called him the Gorilla from Illinois. His colleagues conspired against him, and his generals did not follow his directives. It is no wonder he prized the few clippings that extolled his virtues.

We all need to hear words of kindness from time to time. They seem to sustain us during the many brushes with life. We need not only to listen to words of kindness but also speak genuine kindness whenever we can. Jesus said so many things to uplift people, and we are encouraged to follow His example. Perhaps someone is carrying your kind words in his or her pocket.

Abraham Lincoln - The Newspaper Clip – Robert Petterson, The Book of Amazing Stories, p, 233.

Gary Hodder | President Alberta Conference