[294 words]
When Abraham Lincoln was shot and killed in Ford’s Theater April 14th, 1865, he had no idea that night would be his last. Lincoln loved the theater and it was his common diversion for his stressful job. So he probably didn’t think much about what he carried in his pocket that night, but maybe we should.
In the personal effects found on Abraham Lincoln that night: a small handkerchief, a pocketknife, a watch fob, glasses (one repaired with cotton string), a Confederate five-dollar bill, and wallet with only some worn-out newspaper clipping in it. Most of the items were common enough but I want you to notice the newspaper clipping. One began, “Abe Lincoln is one of the greatest statesmen of all time. The clippings were, even at the time of his death, so well-worn they were almost unreadable. They mostly extolled his presidency.
Lincoln was probably the most vilified president in history by the media. In the midst of a Civil war, criticism was lobbed his way by enemy and ally alike. Those articles must have been a personal comfort He always carried with him to reminded him that some supported his efforts.
“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
It doesn’t matter if it’s the man in the highest office or the man in the lowest job, everyone wants to feel someone cares for them. Many people feel under-appreciated, unloved and ignored. The greatest gift we can give them isn’t an item but a sense of appreciation. You matter. You are important. Your work is not in vain. A kind word can be something a person can always carry with them no matter where they go.
Barry Haynes
Hope church of Christ
Hope, AR