Comedian Jerry Lewis died just this past Sunday, August 20. The New York Times hailed him as “a defining figure of American entertainment in the 20th century.” While at times he was controversial, Lewis was also certainly multi-talented, known for his slapstick humor, as well as an actor, singer, producer, director, screenwriter, and humanitarian.
Jerry Lewis was also one of my all-time favorite comedians. His routines with Dean Martin are laugh out loud funny, and my family watches and rewatches his movies, such as Rock-a-Bye Baby, Who’s Minding the Store, as well as Cinderfella and other favorites.
I thought it would be fun to honor Jerry Lewis by showcasing a quote today. To be honest, I thought I’d find something humorous or witty, or maybe something he’d said about about life as a comedian. And yes, there were quotes like that.
But then I read this statement: “I don’t want to be remembered. I want the nice words when I can hear them.”
What a poignant truth, now that Lewis can no longer hear the “nice words” people are saying about him as they remember him. I can only trust he heard plenty of “nice words” while he was alive.
We all hope we’ll be remembered. But I have to agree with Jerry Lewis that hearing “nice words” now makes a difference in my life. Sometimes an encouraging or kind or positive word can change my day. Or my perspective. Or help me believe in myself again.
In Your Words: I’d love for you to join the conversation and share when someone’s “nice words” have encouraged you. And I also hope you know that I appreciate you reading my blog!
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Comments 12
Beth, your nice words have encouraged me more than I can say. The man I am today has been in large part molded by your friendship and compassion.
Being remembered isn’t important to me. I just hope that someone, somewhere and someday, will pick up a lost and frightened dog, and bring him home, spurred by an unconscious recall of a dude who gave his life to the dog, and never looked back.
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Andrew, we have the unlikeliest of friendships, don’t we?
We’ve never met face to face this side of heaven and yet we’ve forged a friendship via blogpost comments and prayers.
You will be remembered by many — and who knows the number of lost and frightened dogs will be rescued because of your example . . . and possibly named “Andrew.” 🙂
At times others’ comments and insights help us see ourselves in better ways than we might otherwise see/value ourselves. Sometimes, others even change our names to call us by better, which is something our Lord does, too.
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So true, Dee, how others help us see ourselves in better ways — and truer ways — than we see/value ourselves. Such a needed ministry … and it is a ministry.
Positive words that mean so much to me: when my stepchildren called me, “Mom,” when my mentor/craft partner tells me I have a good story, when my hubby says, “I love you.”
And encouraging is something you do without thinking. Besides being a gifted writer, you’re a talented teacher and trusted friend. Hugs!!
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Angie, your words bless me today.
May you be blessed today, too, for who you are — a woman who loves other and lifts others up as naturally as breathing.
I met Jerry Lewis and talked with his first wife, who was a wonderful woman. He was filming a TV special at the university where I attended. I once thought to myself, “if I think something positive or complimentary about someone or even a stranger why just think it? Tell them.” So I do. Blessing others can make their day.
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Oh, Scoti, how wonderful that you met Jerry Lewis and his first wife!
And I love your philosophy of not just thinking something positive or complimentary about someone else — but saying it to them!
Having myself or my words or my deeds remembered would be nice, but that isn’t my goal. I aim for God to be remembered through the things I do and the words I say. If someone–even one person–remembers God for having met me or crossed paths with me, then I’ve done my job for Him well, by His grace.
It’s so nice to hear a kind word, though. Sometimes I can be having the bluest day, but then someone will smile and wish me a great afternoon/evening, and that just turns everything around. It’s so great to connect with people in a personal way, to let each other know that we matter today and every day.
And it’s especially nice to hear sweet words from God. He knows just what to whisper in my ear when I need some encouraging. He sends me the right verse, the perfect breath of fresh air, and always right when I need them. His timing and wisdom are sublime.
Beth, thank you for sharing your thoughts on Jerry Lewis. Your perspective is beautiful, and it’s always fun hearing from you.
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Andrea, There is so much wisdom woven through your thoughts, but I love this most of all: “I aim for God to be remembered through the things I do and the words I say.”
Aw, may God be praised! He deserves all the glory. He placed that thought in my heart years ago and has built it up every year since.
Thank you for letting me know you see wisdom in my words. I am grateful to know that clinging to God and listening to and learning from Him is coming to fruition in one of the ways I’ve hoped for since I was a very young girl. God is so faithful to fulfill the desires of our hearts when they align with His perfect will for us and we are patient in waiting for them. You just blessed my heart, dear friend. Hugs to you!
Imagine if instead of “money making the world go round” kindness, love, and peace made it spin more gently!
I loved Jerry Lewis. He provided many laughs for me during an otherwise turbulent childhood.