What Else Do You Need?

“… a few kind words, and a prayer.”

Those words have stayed with me for many years after the first time I ever heard them uttered as a young adult. A man, unknown to me, had said that in response to a question asked of him by a clerk, which was, “What else do you need?”

While I realize the gracious humor in them, they definitely convey a message. And there is always truth in humor, regardless of what topic it covers, which is why people often “jokingly” say things. It conveys truth.

As the years progressed, I have adopted that phrase as my own, and when asked by anyone if I need anything else, I often smile and say, “Yes… a few kind words and a prayer.”

Sometimes, in response, I’ve seen baffled looks, and yet at others, heard a

Lyons Coffee Roasters @LyonsCoffeeAL in Florence, Alabama announces reopening! Oh Happy Day!

I am overjoyed to learn of this OUTSTANDINGLY EXCELLENT news!

Happy Day!

You’ve read the headline, so you “know” something of the “bottom line.”

A few weeks back, I had written a thoughtful Op-Ed about the matter entitled “Why the LGBT community should support Shirey Ice Cream in Florence, Alabama,” and encouraged peaceful reconciliation.

In part I wrote…

“An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” does nothing more than increase eyeless, toothless people. It multiplies injury, and eventually claims everyone.

“On the other hand, in stark contrast, love covers a multitude of sins.

“Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you. Do good to those who hate you. Let the light of your good deeds shine so brightly so that many others can see it, who will then give praise to your Heavenly Father because of them.

“Those ideas are truly revolutionary values.”

I do not know whether or not