My grandfather was born in Sebewa Township, Michigan in 1880. I was just thinking of him last night and of how many people there were on this planet when I was a boy who were born in the 1880's, 1870's and even a few from the 1860's. Now there is barely a soul left from the 1890's but there are a few.
It was a time when words were shared more personally. There was no television, no radio, few magazines and newspapers were thinner and less frequent. So when a person spoke it meant more.
My grandfather was a "wild one" in his younger years but when he was about 45 he became a Christian and then a pastor. He helped build his denomination, Church of God (Cleveland Tennessee variety) throughout the midwest. He was a great speaker and was called to speak on many occassions throughout the midwest and beyond.
He had some advice for a young boy born nearly 80 years after he had been born and it was simple and it stuck. Three "ups" that echo in my mind every time I prepare a speech, address or presentation.
Stand up. Speak up. Shut up.
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