Sermon Central
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John W. Gardner, Founding Chairman Of Common ...
Contributed by Bobby Scobey on Feb 22, 2010 (message contributor)
John W. Gardner, founding chairman of Common Cause, said it's a rare and high privilege to help people understand the difference they can make -- not only in their own lives, but also in the lives of others, simply by giving of themselves.
Gardner tells of a cheerful old man who asked the same question of just about every new acquaintance he fell into conversation with. He never asked conventional questions such as "What do you do for a living?" It was always: "What have you done that you believe in and you are proud of?"
It was an unsettling question for people who had built their self-esteem on their wealth or their family name or their exalted job title.
Not that the old man was a fierce interrogator. He was delighted by a woman who answered, "I'm doing a good job raising three children;" and by a cabinetmaker who said, "I believe in good workmanship and practice it;" and by a woman who said, "I started a bookstore and it's the best bookstore for miles around."
"I don't really care how they answer," said the old man. "I just want to put the thought into their minds.
"They should live their lives in such a way that they can have a good answer. Not a good answer for me, but for themselves. That's what’s important."
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To Kill A Mockingbird" Is One Of My Favorite ... PRO
Contributed by Timothy Smith on Sep 3, 2005
“To Kill A Mockingbird” is one of my favorite stories. The main character is Atticus Finch, a lawyer and father who defends a young black man of rape in 1932. As you can imagine, in that day that was not a popular decision. He’s called all kinds of names and even his children bear the brunt of his ...read more
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The Rock
Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Feb 8, 2007
The Rock A man was sleeping at night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light and the Savior appeared. The Lord told the man He had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his ...read more
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Kathy Bates Was In The Movie "Fried Green ... PRO
Contributed by Jeff Simms on Sep 27, 2004
Kathy Bates was in the movie “Fried Green Tomatoes”, but is probably best remembered for her role as an obsessed fan in Misery that won her an Oscar. In Misery Bates plays a nurse who encounters her favorite author at an accident scene in a remote location in Colorado during a fierce snowstorm. ...read more
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At The Age Of 15 John Stoddard Made A List Of All ... PRO
Contributed by Kenneth Squires on Apr 14, 2004
At the age of 15 John Stoddard made a list of all the things he wanted to accomplish in his life. He envisioned himself as a great explorer and put down things like: explore the Nile, climb Mt. Everest, visit every country in the world, visit the moon. His list had 127 goals. When John was 60, ...read more
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Putting Together A Bicycle
Contributed by Keith Foskey on Apr 4, 2005
“Putting together a bicycle” When my brother was three he got his first bicycle for Christmas. Being much older I stayed awake with his father to put it together on Christmas Eve. My mother held the instructions. He and I began putting together pieces that seemed to fit and after about an hour we ...read more
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