MORE... June 12, 2008
The Miracle of a Kind Word
(Psalm 30:1)

The Reverend Purnell Bailey tells of a convict from Darlington, England, who had just been released from prison. He has spent three long years in prison for embezzlement, and though he wanted to return to his hometown, he was concerned about the social ostracism and possible ridicule he might have to endure from some of the townsfolk. Still, he was lonesome for his home and decided to risk the worst.

He had barely set foot on the main street of town when he encountered the mayor himself.

“Hello!” greeted the mayor in a cheery voice. “I’m glad to see you! How are you?” The man appeared ill at ease and so the mayor moved on.

Years later, the former mayor and the ex-convict accidentally met in another town. The latter said, “I want you to know what you did for me when I came out of prison.”

“What did I do? asked the mayor.

“You spoke a kind word to me and changed my life,” replied the grateful man.

We cannot always know how important the seed of a kind word may be to the one who receives it. More often than we know, words of encouragement or recognition provided a turning point in a person’s outlook on life.

Just as Jesus spoke with love and acceptance to the hated tax collector Zaccheus, the mayor set the tone for others’ contacts with the ex-convict by openly and warmly addressing him as a neighbor. People watch those they respect for cues regarding their own relationship with certain people.

I just love reading your daily word each morning it is so inspiratonal and sets the tone for my day. Thankyou and have a great day.*4u

*4U

Yes, Do unto others wasn't a suggestion.;)

Thank you, mad14kt. *4U

Oh yes & Jesus told Zaccheus to come down out of that tree for he was going to his house. R we ready to have that kind of company this very min. *4U Monica