An apology that begins with “if.”
A church trying to be relevant to the culture.
97.3 percent of People Magazine.
Sound bites that pass for political speech.
Most contemporary political speech.
The prosperity gospel.
People who say “we’re the experts; trust us.”
The editorial page of the daily newspaper, most days.
A congressman or senator who votes for a bill without reading it or understanding it.
The New York Times best-sellers list, most days.
The self-help section of the bookstore.
Most corporate vision statements.
The belief that marriage will meet all your unmet needs.
Believing that “reality television show” is not an oxymoron.
A culture besotted with celebrities.
The belief that “educating the public” will solve all your problems.
Most acceptances speeches at the Academy Awards; a simple “thank you” will do.
Dictators who say all they want is peace.
When the definition of “is” becomes relative, as in, “It depends on what your definition of ’is’ is.”
Spending money our great-grandchildren don’t have.
Knowing the cost of everything and the value of nothing.
“You’re doing a heckuva job, Brownie.”
Companies who say “employees are our most important asset.”
School officials who say “it’s for the children.”
Organizations that call jobs “roles” and people “talent.”
The hole in the human heart.
If you’d like to read other posts on emptiness, visit the One Word Blog Carnival hosted by Bridget Chumbley.
23 comments:
This is the definitive 'nailed it' list.
"Nailed" is right...97.3 percent-loved that.
wow -- you did nail it!
and you used my most favourite empty phrase... employees are our most important asset -- love that one!
and this one hurts
... the hole in the human heart....
"A church trying to be relevant to the culture."
Amen!
So, you do great lists, too!
Very nice!
Glynn, "Companies who say “employees are our most important asset." After 20 years, my husband's company has decided to outsource over 300 of their jobs. Had armed guards and a grief counselor to pass on info.
Glynn, Great list! The second and last ones break my heart! Blessings to you!
Empty words, indeed. You always make me think.
What an excellent list!!! Thanks for sharing. God bless you!
Glynn, was that a rant? :)
A church trying to be relevant to the culture.
"Relevance" is not a bad thing in and of itself. That changes when we allow the gospel to be diluted/twisted/distorted or in any way changed.
The self-help section of the bookstore.
What happens if you need help finding this section?
Companies who say “employees are our most important asset.”
I always suspected that "Money" was their most important asset. That was confirmed when they "eliminated my position."
- To offset the "rant" factor, you're going to have to come up with a list of "Full" things. Looking forward to that one.
There is a lot things that aren't right about this world. this list is not long enough, but it is not enough to simply state the problem. we can moralize until we are blue in the face. Change happens when we take proactive steps to change the circumstance.
-Joe
You've done an amazing job Glynn. Your list speaks volumes!
Love it. That was great. I would have to disagree. I have been known to buy a few self help books and followed them for a week or so...
Wow, awesome list, Glynn! My favorite is "Knowing the cost of everything and the value of nothing." We do too much of that in our world.
I went through this post three times trying to find something to disagree with, just for the heck of it.
I couldn't find anything.
School officials who say “it’s for the children.”
Sure it is... NOT!
So.much.emptiness.
Great post, Glynn.
I started to point out the ones that I really agreed with, but then I realized my "list" would be too long for a comment! Great perspective, Glynn.
Glynn, I was delighted to see "the prosperity Gospel" on your list. It turns the "it's not about me" message of Christianity into "it's about me." I enjoy your blog. Pete
Thank God He fills the hole in the human heart perfectly!
Yep! As I read it, I just kept nodding my head, shaking my head in sorrow and frustration, and rolling my eyes that so few seem to see "reality" just as it is. [You created a head-based exercise program with your post... thanks.]
I'm late getting to this post, but boy am I sure glad I caught it. It's one worth reading again, for sure, and is being forwarded to my email box/keeper file.
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