A Message To All
A United States Army general speaking in Japan told a story with the punch line, "Show me. I'm from Missouri." His translator knew the audience wouldn't understand, so he said in Japanese, "The general has made a joke and I'll be in trouble if you don't laugh." The people obligingly laughed. But because some things don't translate well, the general had failed to communicate.
'No' Power
I remember seeing a newspaper photograph of three signs nailed to a big oak tree. Their message was obvious. On the top sign were printed the words, "No Trespassing," on the middle one, "No Hunting," and on the bottom, "No Nothing."
A Coat In His Name
It was a bitterly cold morning at the inner-city church. Among the 130 or so worshipers, the pastor took special notice of Ken, a young boy who arrived for Sunday school wearing just a sleeveless T-shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes with no socks.
The Acid Test
A severe trial is sometimes called an "acid test." This term originated during times when gold was widely circulated. Nitric acid was applied to an object of gold to see if it was genuine or not. If it was fake, the acid decomposed it; if it was genuine, the gold was unaffected.
Why Can't I Feel Forgiven?
The anguish in the caller's voice revealed her pain. It wasn't the first time she had called. The reason was always the same. She had said and done some things that hurt her sister badly, and now she was having trouble feeling forgiven.
