His weeping and trembling were honest, and to be expected. The man was not sniveling. He made great effort not to let the sobs become uncontrollable. His effort failed. Flowing from the depth of crushing stress and sorrow, the crying would not stop. Barely audible, he asked, “Kleenex please.” Three facial tissues and a bandanna quickly appeared. “Thank you,” the man said. And he meant it. After wiping his eyes and nose, feeling the surrounding encouragement, the sobbing eventually eased. The man’s heart calmed.

Words convey ideas and provide a venue for communication. Words, though, can have different meanings to different people. But, when push comes to shove, the idea of, “something to wipe my face and nose with,” is communicated and understood. In the fictitious account given above, the people’s minds did [Read more →]