The power of few words

Warren Bolon

In writing, less is more. Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address has about the same number of words as the 91st Psalm, a handful short of 300. About this column's length. Humbling enough?

Lincoln's message has had mighty mending power for a nation wounded by racial oppression and civil war. But perhaps he would have agreed that the 91st Psalm has proved far mightier as a healer-comforter. Ultimately, though, both messages came from the same source—as the inspired Work and inspiring words at a crucible moment.

Lincoln didn't consider himself religious, but he knew and loved the Bible. He wrote, spoke, and led nation in the cadences and spirit of the Scriptures. In 1864 he wrote to "the Loyal Colored People of Baltimore," who had given him a Bible: "In regard to this Great Book, I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good the Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book."

When I read the 91st Psalm, I think of how Lincoln lived these words: "He shall call upon me [God], and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation." Sometimes "long life" is so much more than years on earth can measure.

This week our contributors tell how a few works—taken to heart, understood—made all the difference. Lives were protected, jobs found, a career launched. As remarkable as these experiences are, what strikes me is how these people found it so completely normal to trust an influence they couldn't see or touch. Feel with them the power behind a few words.

Warren Bolon
Senior Writer

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