The Trouble With Words
Several days ago people along the Gulf Coast were described as "little people." Many took offense. Perhaps offense was justified, but, given the situation, a word may have had a meaning different than our American definition.
Webster describes little as:
(1) small in size, amount, degree, etc.
(2) short in duration; brief
(3) small in importance or power
(4) narrow-minded
Now stay with me here. Would you agree little and small are similar? Let's compare.
According to Webster, small means:
(1) comparatively little in size; not big
(2) little in quantity, extent, duration, etc.
(3) of little importance; trivial
(4) young
(5) mean; petty
One more -- ordinary
(1) customary; usual
(2) familiar; unexceptional; common
I would guess others would describe me using those words. Small in importance or power. Of little importance. Unexceptional. In most respects they would be right.
But ... though I do not run a fortune 500 company or a government, I do make significant contributions in my work, my community, my family, and my church. I'm middle class, and while that may sound to some like failure, I have lived a full life of meaning. Of love.
Certainly, we need great leaders and business people. And, yes, they make mistakes. But in perspective it takes all of us ordinary folks to make a difference.
Just think about Small Business. Each business individually is small, but together we are powerful. We drive the economy. We create jobs. We change lives ... for the better.
Call me little, small and ordinary. Compare me to the folks of the Gulf Coast. I thank you for the compliment. I am among the truly great people who make the world go round!
Comments(2)