Classy Authors

I have this shtick I frequently do on what makes a classy author . . . and then I read the following reprinted in the Christian retail industry's magazine, Aspiring Retail. Ann Landers wrote this, and it's priceless:

What is Class?

Class never runs scared. It is sure-footed and confident in the knowledge that you can meet life head on and handle whatever comes along.

Class never makes excuses. It takes its lumps and learns from past mistakes.

Class is considerate of others. It knows that good manners are nothing more than a series of small sacrifices.

Class bespeaks an aristocracy that has nothing to do with ancestors or money.

Class never tries to build itself up by tearing others down. Class is already up and need not strive to look better by making others look worse.

Class can "walk with kings and keep its virtue and talk with crowds and keep the common touch." Everyone is comfortable with the person who has class because he is comfortable with himself.

If you have class you don't need much of anything else. If you don't have it, no matter what else you have, it doesn't make much difference.

Kathleen Samuelson, the editor who quoted Ann Landers in Aspiring Retail, says she keeps a copy of the above "in my heart to remember when I hear or read something hurtful, inaccurate, or discouraging."

I think it's apt not only in that situation, but every morning as a reminder. Class is simply walking as Jesus walked. It's knowing that we are children of the King and instructed to walk in love with our brothers and sisters as we reach out in compassion to the world.

Lord, grant us a little class today. (Landers' schtick is better than mine!)

~~Angie