The Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy only weighed 126 pounds. The Soviet edition of his works, published over a period of 30 years, came to 90 volumes and weighed in at a beefy 290 pounds. Tolstoy's words out-weighed the man himself!
As a preacher and writer, I struggle with finding the proper balance. When everything is said and done, do my words out-weigh me? I realize there’s no eminent danger that someone might compare me to Tolstoy, but the question remains. And I ask it from this perspective: Regardless of size, is the man equal to the words?
A woman approached Sir Lloyd George, the former prime minister of Britain, after a speech. She remarked, “Before I saw you in person, I thought you were a much taller man.” George carefully replied, “Madam, in Wales, where I come from, we measure a man from the neck up.”
At the end of my life, I hope to leave behind a few good words. I am thankful for the inspiration of previous generations of writers. I hope to inspire future generations of thinkers. But I also hope what I leave behind is more than words. I want to leave behind a legacy of good memories and good deeds. I hope to leave an example to follow, and a spiritual inheritance for future generations.
In Acts 7:22, Stephen had this to say about the great leader and man of God, Moses;
Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the EgyptiansThe man, Moses, was equal to the words. He was a man of both speech and action. That is what I wish for others to say about me. . .about us.
and was powerful in speech and action.
1 comments:
Daddy,
"The man, Moses, was equal to the words. He was a man of both speech and action." That's what I would say about you, too. :)
Nice profile picture, by the way!! That looks like it might be a Jacob's Dream picture. Is it?
Love you!
Erica
Post a Comment