“Who ne’er has suffered, she has lived but half. Who never failed, she never strove or sought. Who never wept is stranger to a laugh, And she who never doubted, never thought.” (J.B. Goode) My mother-in-law was typically Scandinavian, in that she didn’t usually express her feelings outwardly, unless it was in a positive way. She was a woman of faith, even though life, at times, was not easy. Do you think that the Goode quote is a good one? ;-) Jack
FROM N.L. IN FLORIDA: LIKED IT
FROM MOLINER, G.S.: Very true.
FROM D.C. IN MICHIGAN (ALSO A TEACHER): Was this some place in Wisconsin? I'd like to know where she did all this. Thanks for sending the words every day.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OHIO: I love this passage from your mom-in-law. It reminds me of a passage I wrote long ago, questioning some of governments safety nets. My thesis was thus: “If you can’t really fail, can you ever really win?” I remember my parents were on the no work—no eat plan. I am sure a continual oozing towards European style socialism is not what is best for this country or its people. Once we have maliciously installed in middle class societies minds that health care, housing, and many other things are “rights.” We have invited a parasite that will kill the host. Or as rock legend Alvin Lee says, “Tax the Rich Feed the Poor Until there are Rich No More.” From the song, I’d Love to Change the World.
FROM G.G. IN INDY: Yes, I think it's a good quote. I'm enjoying all of the the entries from your mother-in-laws' Composition book. It's a special link to a womans' past.
FROM YOOPER N.K.: AMEN.....I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW WHICH PART OF SWEDEN SHE CAME FROM.
THE FAMOUS AUTHOR "SELMA LAGERLOF" CAME FROM VARMLAND...MY MOTHER WAS BORN IN DALARNA......" IF YOU CAN'T SAY SOMETHING KIND....DON'T SAY ANYTHING."
FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: I can't imagine a woman who has never faced those trials. However, if there was such a person, she defintely didn't live a full, rich life. Trials make us who we are. It's working through them that really enriches our lives....not that we like them, or choose them, but they do make us grateful for the things and the people we do have.
FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: Who never knoweth a good quote, knew not what J. B. Goode wrote!
FROM C.H. ON CAPE COD: Very fitting given the lectionary reading for Sunday is doubting Thomas! Then again, I'm sure your time is no coincidence! JACK'S RESPONSE: Since I'm no longer preaching regularly, I'm like the average guy in the pew. I get there on Sunday, wondering: "What's he (or she) going to talk about today?" Doubting Thomas is one of my favorite people.
FROM D.L. IN OREGON: Your Mother-in-Law is or was a remarkable woman. It's great that you have or had a wonderful relationship with her. Many of her experiences my Mother would have clearly understood.
Her collection of sayings, poems and writings are quite remarkable.
FROM PR J.S. IN MICHIGAN: My Grandpa used to say that if you didn't have any enemies, it was because you hadn't done anything!
FROM D.S. IN SAN DIEGO: Jack, many of her "thoughts" are quite wonderful. I hope you have a "book" of these. They are priceless. She was quite a "thinker" wasn't she? FROM JACK: Her Composition Book (much of it in her own handwriting) is a real treasure.
FROM MOLINER, J.T.: My mother was also a very positive woman. Thank God some of it wore off on me.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: Another way in which we were taught!
FROM J.T. IN MICHIGAN: The longer one lives the more this quotation by Goode has relevance. No one goes through life without times of joy or sorrow. Knowing the presence of God can get you through the difficulties of life.
FROM B.S. NEAR ORLANDO: Many years ago my mother said to me, "if you ever have a chance to help a lady, do it". I didn't exactly know what my mother meant, but I remembered, and today the meaning is oh so relevant. Women are so totally magnificent, I am amazed it is taking the Republicans so long to pass the ERA. How can we jolt them into action? I know, by sending them each of your Mother in law's quotes.
1 comment:
Each of the points makes sense to me but the one "Who never wept is stranger to a laugh." I know a lot of stoical Northern European American types who generally don't like to show their emotions and especially wouldn't want anyone to see them crying. Just reflecting now whether their laughter is not as joyful either as it could be. Actually we could all just be crying and laughing in the privacy of our bathrooms or something.
Sharon
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