More Than Words

"Great thoughts speak only to the thoughtful mind, but great actions speak to all mankind."
- Theodore Roosevelt

While researching great quotes about action vs. words, I was somewhat surprised yet amused at how many of these sayings came from politicians. Ahh, if only they could truly live up to their words and promises!

Actions do speak louder than words.

1. The other day at a senior assisted living facility, I sat down next to an elderly woman named Harriet who was in a wheel chair. She was soft spoken and I really couldn't comprehend all that she was saying. But she was grinning from ear to ear as I spoke to her. Perhaps it was because I took the time to recognize her and sit down to talk with her.

2. One of my favorite films is the 1946 classic The Best Years of our Lives. It tells the stories of three men coming home from World War II and finding difficulty connecting back to civilian life. One of the men is a sailor named Homer, a star football player who became engaged to the girl next door named Wilma. After losing both hands in the war, Homer returns home but doesn't want to burden Wilma with his handicap so he eventually pushes her away. But each time Homer pushes Wilma away she still says, "I love you."

For as many times Wilma declared "I love you", Homer didn't believe it, thinking she was just playing the sympathy card, until one night when Homer decides to show her what she would have to live with. Homer asks her to come upstairs and tuck him in his bed good night.

Wilma unbuttons his shirt and Homer wiggles out of the strap upon each shoulder which harnesses his hooks for hands. Wilma, with no hesitation or awkwardness upon her, helps put Homer's pajama top on and declares, "You see, Homer? No big deal. I still love you."

For all the times Wilma declared "I love you", Homer had to see it to believe it.

What makes this such an impactful story is that Homer is played by Harold Russell who is handicapped, losing his hands in the war. He would go one to win an Oscar for his portrayal.

3. While walking the trail the other day I came across a woman walking her puppy while pushing her infant child in a stroller. Once the baby started to cry profusely, she lifted the baby out of the stroller and cradled him. The crying stopped instantly! It was because of her actions.

Actions do speak louder than words. And there is no greater action than that which we will be reflecting upon in the next few days.

Jesus dying on the cross for our sins is the most selfless action we will ever see. An action of love for all mankind.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17)

And on the third day, He arose!