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Another word on emotions and thoughts

Thoughts can be a fabulous way to not only convey information, but to convey intense emotions. The key is to take advantage of point of view.

Setup: Laura is in a new church, and she’d filled out a Visitor’s card when she first entered the doors. Now, at the end of the service, the worship leader has been given her card.

“Laura Duke? Are you here? Please stand up so we can greet you!” He smiled as if conveying a Publisher’s Clearing House check to her.

Oh, how embarrassing. Laura slowly rose with a small smile.

The church members turned to look at her, then sat back in their seats. No warm smiles—okay, maybe one from that lady in the corner with the Coke-bottle lenses. Nothing more than a few disinterested glances.

She sat down again as fast as possible. That was horrible.


Instead of telling her emotion, you can show it with the nature of her thoughts—with her tone, with the language and words.

“Laura Duke? Are you here? Please stand up so we can greet you!” He smiled as if conveying a Publisher’s Clearing House check to her.

No way. Aw, man, this was not happening. Who thought up this kind of pain and torture? Did they not want her to return ever again?

Laura slowly rose with a small smile.

The church members turned to look at her, then sat back in their seats. No warm smiles—okay, maybe one from that lady in the corner with the Coke-bottle lenses. Nothing more than a few disinterested glances.

She sat down again as fast as possible. God, if the Second Coming came right now, I’d be pretty happy.

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