Can One Quotation Change Your Life?

by

Allen Klein, MA, CSP

When Dale Carnegie wrote, “When we hate our enemies, we are giving them power over us…Our enemies would dance with joy if only they knew how they were worrying us…and getting even with us! Our hate is not hurting them at all, but our hate is turning our days and nights into a hellish turmoil,” he probably never realized how those words would change someone’s life.

But it did. I know because of a letter that I got from a woman after she read that quotation in one of my books. The letter began:                                                              

“You’ll never know how your book has impacted my life. First of all let me say I’m 67-years-old, and at age 12 was violently raped twice. Never told anyone, but I haunted me for 55-years…I was angry and full of rage.

I keep this quote [“When we hate our enemies…”] taped to my kitchen cabinet  so I see it everyday. I’ve taken my power back, and it has changed my life.”

That letter is only one of several that I’ve received about the impact a single quotation has made in someone’s life. I’ll share other stories in future blogs.

http://www.allenklein.com/ChangeYourLife.html

Get Ready God, 'Cause Here I Am

                                                            by 

Allen Klein, MA, CSP

Several years ago, I had a very interesting encounter.

I went to check out the bookshop where I would be doing a book launch in a few days. When I got to the counter, there was a woman sobbing. I overheard her say that her husband had died recently and one of the clerks who she chatted with a few days earlier was uncaring towards her when she asked about a book on grief.

I didn't want to get involved and thought the woman would stop crying in a short while. When she didn't, I went over to her and told her that my wife died at the age of thirty-four, that I had been a hospice volunteer, and how difficult this time must be for her. I also assured her that what she was experiencing was normal and suggested she get into a grief support group.    
                                                                             
We spent about twenty-minutes together. At the end of our conversation, I asked her if she would like a hug. She said that she would, and I gave her one.
I think the clerk and owner of the store were amazed at just happened. The owner told the woman of my upcoming book event and the woman said she would be there. She also ordered a copy of my grief book, Learning to Laugh When You Feel Like Crying.

The universe works in wonderful, and sometimes mysterious ways. We never know when we will be called upon to do God’s work. I don't think I was at the bookstore today to check the setup for my event, although that did happen. The real reason I was there was to comfort a bereft woman.

©Allen Klein, 2018

*****

Allen Klein is the author of numerous books including

Learning to Laugh When You Feel Like Crying

 www.allenklein.com/Learn_laugh.html