Stan’s Corner, Sunday, January 22, 2012

In last week’s sermon, Pastor Ricki gave this interesting illustration which moved me very much:

“Dr. Paul Tournier, a famous Swiss physician and a dedicated Christian author of many insightful books took his first book to his medical school to visit a favorite old professor. Granted an afternoon of the venerable man’s time, Tournier read his new book to his teacher. As he completed his reading, he looked up to find tears in the old man’s eyes. “Oh Paul,” said the professor. “That’s a wonderful book. Everyone of us Christians should read it.” Tournier was surprised and said, “I didn’t know you were a Christian, professor. When did you become one?”His old teacher’s answer overwhelmed him when he said, “Just now, as you read your book.”

Why did this little story  move me?  I think it was because it was a reminder that our words do affect people.  I am frequently affected by what others say and yet I often forget that what I say can affect others.