Chapter 11

RE: Statement in Chapter 11, page 100 of SQ2.(paragraph 2, 3)

Communication is the core of human endeavor….

…Life has enough problems without thoughtless words creating more. We need to pay attention to the words we use and how we use them. When we do, it makes life easier for us and those around us. 

Dear Tom,

     You and I have had several conversations about communications. This one area probably causes me more stress than any other subject. Not only, because I am a writer, but because we take daily communication so for granted. As humans, none of us have mastered the art of communication. However, there are two people that come to mind. 

      Jesus is the first and Ronald Reagan is the second. Both had a way with words that we should all aspire to. Jesus, as the inventor of words is called The Word by the Apostle John for a reason. Reagan, during his career, learned and became the great communicator. I will take note of both momentarily, but let me go with Reagan first. 

     One of the things that instantly comes to mind when I think of Reagan is his speech (1/25/74) about the “the Shining City on the Hill.” That speech framed a reference to a quote in scripture. Also, when he left office, the following are his words and legacy, “Whatever else history may say about me when I’m gone, I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, not your worst fears; to your confidence rather than your doubts. My dream is that you will travel the road ahead with liberty’s lamp guiding your steps and opportunity’s arm steadying your way.” We should all aspire to leave such footsteps for others to follow. His communication was clear and distinct. 

     How does one begin to put in concise form, the impact, the influence and scope of the words of Our Lord Jesus? The New Testament gospels only begin to uncover the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the communication impact that Jesus’ words have had upon mankind, much less what he did so that we might have eternal life. 

     In our communication efforts, we should try to emulate many of the things that Jesus did to communicate His thoughts and actions about the importance of the spiritual realm. On a personal note, this is one of the things that I aspire to do is to learn how to communicate like Our Lord Jesus. For many of the things I do, I try to imitate how and what Jesus would do and teach. Needless to say, I have not yet arrived. 

    This does remind me though of how much influence your teaching and mentorship have meant to me. Early on as a new deacon, your teaching and advice was very helpful in guiding me. You set an example for me that put into words and actions the things that Jesus taught. What I read and learned about Jesus, I saw reflected in you. I think that communication is one of your areas of strength. You may have a long way to go to be like Reagan, but … Being more like Jesus is a better example, don’t you think!  Being a good communicator is a goal that more of us should aim to hit. 

Speechless before Our Lord, JR  Ltr11.ch11.090111

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