Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Not Just a Famous Quote, but Words to Live By

Short, simple, and straight to the point...thats how we like our words to be.  People love little sayings and quotes, whether we put them on our refrigerator, in our offices, or on the bumper of our cars.

Little reminders to help us get through the day, describe our personality, explain our reasoning. Whether it be a single word or a short sentence; just get straight to the point!

We love inspirational thoughts, famous quotes, and slogans.

Well, here's one of my favorites:  "I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior." 

These words spoken by John Newton, the former slave trader turned Anglican clergyman in England during the 18th century.  After experiencing a religious conversion, he became a minister, hymn-writer, and later a prominent supporter of the abolition of slavery. He was the author of many hymns, including "Amazing Grace."

This quote, or as I like to think, words to live by, is not one society would like us to place great importance upon.  These words call for great humility and faith, which is obviously not an easy task. 

To me, its the Protestant version of the Orthodox "Jesus Prayer:" the ascetic practice of reciting, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me, a sinner."

I'd also like to take this opportunity to offer a movie recommendation.  Amazing Grace (released in 2006) tells the story of the antislavery pioneer, William Wilberforce, who, as a Member of Parliament, navigated the world of 18th century backroom politics to end the slave trade in the British Empire.


Image Source

Its an amazing film (excuse the pun) that entertains with an all-star cast, while telling the true story of the movement to abolish slavery in the British Empire (of course, taking certain liberties with historical facts), and offers the viewer a sense of moral responsibility with their own life.

- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director

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