Sunday, July 15, 2007

How to Increase Your Amen Level

Step One: take a standard brethren concept or stock expression.

Step Two: strip the standard brethren phraseology from it and see what it really means.

Step Three: see if the actual meaning is something you're happy to say (they aren't all).

Step Four: if it is, then think of the simplest way of saying it in plain English.

Step Five: aim and release.

Step Six: wait for the enthusiasm as the brethren realise they understand what you just said, and in spite of it sounding as though it's a completely fresh thought you just had, they actually agree with it!

Just like magic.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

One of the difficulties in leaving the brethren is losing the head nodding and amen applause for those who receive such accolades.

It's difficult stepping down from a small world where you're a big fish into a large world where you are a tiddler. But there is great joy to be had in the anonymity!

Anonymous said...

OMG, that brings back memories. For years, the standard expression was "Have to do with him", or "Have a link with him". Then one of the Mr Haleses happened to say "Make contact with him", and the expression was treated with such worship that you'd swear a new chapter of the Bible had been discovered. It was quoted world-wide in readings and preachings for years afterwards, whilst paying homage to its originator. Is it still used, EB Survivor?