Of Course!

Does action speak louder than words?   Taking action could come after making a profound statement,
making a life-altering change, or in response to a request.  Action signifies moving forward.

That being said, I do think there are some words that have a stronger meaning than action.   For the sake of this post, I'm talking about the simple words in a simple phrase, "Of course.....".  When I hear someone say "of course", it immediately softens my heart.  The words imply that there is no other alternative, that "of course" it will be done, whatever "it" may be.   That's very comforting.

Is it true that action speaks louder than words?   Or can two simple words instill trust that there inevitably will be action?   Does this action have to be witnessed?   Or will trust prevail?

When I was a little girl, growing up in a very small town in rural Pennsylvania,  my father was the rector of the Episcopal church.  We lived in the rectory next door.  (Yes, I am a preacher's daughter....explains a lot!)    It was a wonderful place to grow up.  My sister and I would spend our days riding our bikes and playing throughout the town.  It was so peaceful that we could be gone all day and our parents wouldn't worry.   On the opposite side of us lived a little old lady.  Her name was Mamie, and she was the kindest person I've ever known.  Mamie was a tiny woman who always had a smile on her face.  Her arms were always open for a hug.  She had white hair, that to me resembled cotton candy just waiting to become pink or blue.  My sister and I were welcome to come and go to and from Mamie's house whenever we liked.  We would help her in her garden, and Mamie would give us tea and cookies.   We loved her.  To almost anything we asked, Mamie would say "Why, of course dear...".  And she would mean it.



Mamie showed us that kindness existed.  Whenever I say "of course..." I think of Mamie.  The memories of a very kind neighbor will last forever in my heart.  To me, she was a saint.

In a way, these memories have helped shape the person I am today.  I was taught to always be kind.  Or at least to always TRY to be kind.   Today I do my best to treat others as I would like to be treated.

She gave me the courage, even as a young girl,  to have faith in people and their word.    Yes, this is potentially dangerous.  There is a chance I will be let down.  However, I mean it when I say that letting my guard down and really trusting that action will be taken when I am promised "of course",  has wielded great strength in me.   Expecting a positive outcome to a promise made is how I roll.   I am almost always positive.   I am not in the least skeptical, even though I have been let down quite often.  Somehow, despite being hurt,  I'm always willing to see the good in people.  I think there is a little Mamie inside most of us.

When I was thirteen, my father accepted a position at a church in Maryland, just outside of Washington D.C.  We moved from the sleepy little town to a bustling urban suburb of a large city.  It was a culture shock, to say the least!   But it was a good experience as well.  I wonder what I would be like today had we stayed in small town Pennsylvania?

I slowly morphed into a city girl.  No longer could I roam the streets all day.  Had to check in with my parents.  Being so close to the city, my friends and I would live to venture "downtown" whenever we could.  The drinking age in Washington D.C. was 18 at the time, so in our senior year of high school, we would spend a lot of time there, causing trouble.  (Just kidding....or am I?!)  The second half of my childhood and into my college years was pretty exciting.  Truth:  I didn't hear "of course" nearly as often.  I am now an adult and I live in the suburbs.  In (gasp) Indiana.  I'm getting back in touch with my childhood,  as I'm spending quite a bit of time writing about those years.  Today I am grateful that I was reminded of Mamie and was inspired to write this post.  Spreading the love, people.

In closing, I encourage you to get in touch with your inner Mamie.  The next time someone says "of course..." take a leap of faith and believe they will follow through on their promise.  You might just be surprised.  And the next time someone asks you to do something for them or for a cause, try saying "of course..." then take action.  See what happens.  Leave the skepticism in the dust.

Peace,
Michelle