Just A Few Words

Just a Few Words

WORDS ARE WEIRD. Alone, they’re not very meaningful. Take the word love. It’s a bit hollow until you add one little word on each side of it. Then it may make your heart race: I love you.

I’ll give you another one. Peace. It’s a pleasant word on its own, but it takes on a deeper, personal meaning when strung with three other one-syllable words: Peace be with you. To really make a word work, it needs some companions.

Of course, on the flip side, some people use a long stream of words nonstop over several minutes without ever really saying a doggone thing. Same with some writers. They rattle on, stringing their words together with little thought to the plot or significance of their story. They just talk or write for sport!

Because of my affinity for words, I appreciate those who thoughtfully and painstakingly say it all with just a few words. From C. S. Lewis to the guy who penned the words of wisdom in my fortune cookie, I lift up a prayer of thanks for the truths they impart. Like this one:

It is good to shut up sometimes. —Marcel Marceau

While the Holy Bible will continue to be the source of my truth, in this chapter I will share with you some other words of wisdom to live by. Written by people famous, and some not so famous, I can’t help but believe that these words, too, must have had some heavenly inspiration.

I have hidden your word in my heart, . . . encourage me by your word. (Psalm 119:11, 28)

Post them on your makeup mirror. Leave them on your nightstand. Stick one to your refrigerator door. These are also words of truth.