Make a Joyful Noise
(By Tim Hansel)
There's a wonderful story about Jimmy Durante, one of the great entertainers
of a generation ago. He was asked to be a part of a show for WWII veterans.
He told them his schedule was very busy and he could afford only a few
minutes, but if they wouldn't mind his doing one short monologue and
immediately leaving for his next appointment, he would come. Of course, the
show's director agreed happily.
But when Jimmy got on stage, something interesting happened. He went through
the short monologue and then stayed. The applause grew louder and louder and
he kept staying. Pretty soon, he had been on fifteen, twenty then thirty
minutes. Finally, he took a last bow and left the stage.
Backstage someone stopped him and said, "I thought you had to go after a few
minutes. What happened?"
Jimmy answered, "I did have to go, but I can show you the reason I stayed.
You can see for yourself if you'll look on the front row."
In the front row were two men, each of whom had lost an arm in the war. One
had lost his right arm and the other had lost his left. Together, they were
able to clap, and that's exactly what they were doing, loudly and
cheerfully.
"Two are better than one, because they have
a good return for their work: If
one falls down, his friend can help him up. But
pity the man who falls and
has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down
together, they will keep
warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one
may be overpowered, two
can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is
not quickly broken."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)
To reply to a nasty remark with another nasty
remark
is like trying to remove dirt with mud.
"A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger."
Proverbs 15:1 (NKJV)
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