Today, in honor of President Ford, I went through our old audio archives here at the H. E. Butt Foundation to review some speeches he gave with us. The search started after my daily dose of Scot McKnight. I wanted to comment and throw in another cool President Ford quote–and I knew we had these speeches that few people have heard. For example, in the late 1970s at the Congress of the Laity, President Ford spoke about issues of faith and work.
Betty and I have discovered personally that the things of this world which we consider important are fleeting. A man can hold high office, command great powers, be hailed as the leader of the world. But when his time in office is over, he must be prepared—mentally, emotionally, spiritually—to relinquish that power and prestige and acclaim and focus on what lasts forever.
It is not an easy transition.
But with help from family and friends and with the conviction that God works his purposes as day proceeds to day, it is easier to see that leaving the White House or any other position is not the end, but simply a new chapter…
More than a century ago, Abraham Lincoln told the story of an eastern monarch who instructed his wise men, to write for him a compelling sentence which would be true and appropriate at all times and in all situations. They presented him the following words: “And this too shall pass away.” Abraham Lincoln marveled at that very simple wisdom. How much it expresses how chastening in the hour of pride, how consoling in the depths of affliction, and how much greater still is the teaching of Jesus that the things of this earth shall pass away, “But my word shall not pass away” (Matt. 24:35).
You can read the entire talk at Ramblin’ Dan. It should go live tomorrow. In the meantime, I had to share this here. In the next few days, I may be able to upload an audio file.
{ 9 comments }
Wow. Thanks for sharing Ford’s quote. It’s true. Things and this life is fleeting. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks for the comment, relevantgirl. I was reminded again as I drove into town today. So many flags at half-staff.
And on NPR Daniel Shore seemed a bit critical of Ford. He was known mostly for pardoning Nixon. Isn’t it funny that we shame someone for an act of mercy and pardon.
What a wonderful testament that people remember him for such a moment.
I’ve often used that phrase, “And this too shall pass,” when I needed a bit of perspective on the fleetingness of life. I didn’t know where it originated.
I have listened with great interest at the various tributes today’s leaders are making on behalf of Gerald Ford. A simple man with integrity called on to do an impossible job seems to be the consensus. I appreciate that no one has to sugar-coat his accomplishments in order to commend his character.
It was a difficult time, and he did the best he could. I hope the same is said about me when I am gone.
Charity, well said. Thanks for the comment.
Marcus
Wow! Do you think he wrote that himself? I understand the President typically has speechwriters. If this was something he believed, expressed and wrote himself, it is indeed impressive.
Thanks for sharing this.
Andre, thanks for the comment.
I don’t know if he wrote it or not. He had just turned the presidency over to Jimmy Carter when he gave the speech, so I suspect he could have written it himself.
I like to think that he did.
Since he gave the speech, I don’t know that it matters. He begins saying that he is going to speak from the heart. If the words of his heart received assistance from others, that doesn’t make them any less true.
Still, I like to think that the words were his own.
Mark,
Yes. Here in Grand Rapids they’re already making the downtown a no-go for me. I think Wednesday is the big day here. Thanks for sharing that here (and on Jesus Creed, the other day, I believe).
Thanks for the comments, Ted. Here and on the chapter post. I posted a short version on Jesus Creed, but I didn’t “advertise” the whole speech. Some people can take those kinds of links wrong.
Off topic for this post…
You’ve just been tagged over on Seedlings. To understand this incomprehensible fate, stop by and read the post “Tagged.”
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