A List of Empty Things

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.