Words have power, and thoughts, like seeds, can take root in the heart to alter our perspective or change our behavior altogether. The following is a list of quotes etched in my memory, and a brief explanation of their significance.
This is not a collection of the greatest quotes of all time, but quotes that have impacted me, personally, for a lifetime. It is important that we remember and rehearse the words that have touched our souls. What words have moved you in your life? What would your list look like?
“`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves Did gyre and gimble in the wabe: All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe.” – from Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll. Taught me that words could be fun, that language captures the imagination.
“. . . Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori.” – from Dulce et Decorum Est by Wildfred Owen. Taught me that words are powerful, descriptive, moving and memorable.
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.” –Proverbs 22:1. Printed on a bookmark someone gave me in church as a child. Taught me to treasure who I was and respect the impact of character.
“I do” – Mindy von Atzigen. Taught me that words could be trusted.
“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.” – J.R.R. Tolkien. Taught me that a book could take you anywhere.
“I have not yet begun to fight!” – John Paul Jones. Taught me that words reach further than the sound of our voice. They can echo through history.
“Failure is not falling down, it is refusing to get back up” – Pastor Dan Pinto. Taught me that life is bigger than the present and there is hope on the other side of any disappointment.
“In some way, what we do on a Sunday morning has to make sense to people.” – Pastor Morris Sheats. Taught me to lead in such a way that empowered others to be able to follow.
“The pumps don’t work ‘cause the vandals took the handles.” – from Subterranean Homesick Blues by Bob Dylan. Taught me that people don’t always have to understand you to be inspired.
“Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us, that we should be called the sons of God. And that is what we are.” 1 John 3:1. Taught me that I was loved and accepted by God. That I was significant. That sins could be forgiven. That brokenness could be healed. That a prodigal could come home. That a life could be made new again, and again, and again.
Monday Morning Review 