By CHUCK GRIFFITH
Religion Columnist

I am a conservative (you probably have already noticed), so watching the Republican National Convention is like watching a pep rally for me. I sit and “amen” to the various points made by the speakers.

In addition to reinforcing my conservative beliefs, the convention gives me the opportunity to hear individuals communicate their ideas to an audience (the preacher in me loves to study this). The Bible says in Proverbs 25:11, “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Effective communication is an art.

In my opinion the politician who mastered this art of communication was Ronald Reagan. He often spoke with the passion of a prophet. Who could forget his bold statement, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear this wall down.” He also could have the timing of a comedian.

Like in the debate with Walter Mondale when the issue of President Reagan's age came up and President Reagan turned it around by saying “I refuse to exploit my opponents youth and lack of experience for political purposes.”

At times he could even blend the message of a prophet with the perspective of a comedian. An example of this is when he said, “Where else but Washington, D.C., would they call the department that's in charge of everything outdoors the Department of the Interior?”

The following joke from the Cold War era has also been attributed to President Reagan and illustrates his ability. The joke goes as follows:

An elderly woman entered the Kremlin and insisted on seeing the General Secretary. Mikkhail Gorbachev agreed to meet her and asked, “What can I do for you?”

“I have one question,” she said. “Was communism invented by a politician or a scientist?”

“A politician,” he said.

“That explains it,” the woman replied. “A scientist would have tried it on mice first.”

I have missed the wit and wisdom of Ronald Reagan the last few years. For me the Convention speeches brought back memories of the past and gave me hope for the future. I look forward to quoting some of George W. Bush's wit and wisdom in the future.

Chuck Griffith is pastor of Fayette Assembly of God, 1144 Ga. Highway 92 South in Fayetteville, 770-719-0322.

Back to the Top of the PageBack to the Religion Home Page