I like language … a well-turned phrase or just the right use of a seldom-used word.
Over the years I’ve saved a few phrases that amused me or touched me in some way. Here are a few I would like to share with you.
“Each one of us is a mixture of good and not-so-good qualities. In considering our fellowman, we should remember his good qualities and realize that his faults only prove that he is, after all, a human being. We should refrain from making harsh judgment of him or offering our opinion just because he happens to be a dirty, rotten, no-good scoundrel.”
A winter thought. “Once my garden was green. Now it rests and waits for a new spring.” I don’t know why I like this so much.
“If a woman actually supplies a man’s four needs—food, sex, love, and individual identity — she is well on the way to making all the other women in the world superfluous, as far as he is concerned.”
“A woman hasn’t lived until she has been loved, talked about, admired, and envied (and anything else you might want to add: learned to sew, took up yoga, wore short shorts, became a member of something.) You get the point!”
“Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come.” For years I thought that was the opening line of “Look Homeward, Angel” by Thomas Wolfe. Wrong. But bear with me, I still think it is Wolfe.
Of course, there are beautiful thoughts and memorable words in the Bible, in poetry, and in literature. Too many to single out and mention. Our language provides a complimentary word we can choose to use instead of an uncomplimentary word. For example, would you want something that is second-hand or vintage? Something leftover or something saved for you? Something scarred or something antiqued? Something stolen or borrowed?
I was really touched by the benediction given by the Archbishop of Canterbury at Queen Elizabeth’s funeral. Simple language and wonderful instructions.
Go forth into the world in peace
Be of good courage
Hold fast to that which is good
Render to no one evil for evil
Strengthen the faint-hearted
Support the weak
Help the afflicted
Honor all people
Love and serve the Lord
Rejoice in the power of the Holy Spirit, and may the blessings of God be among you and remain with you always. Amen
Americans should be grateful that the British shared their language with us and followed up with great literature. We don’t seem to use the same swear words as the British, but maybe we just need deeper cultural exchange.
Jeanette Smith, 95, a Blythewood resident, has been active in the community’s civic affairs for over 50 years.