By: Curtis Schofield, Spiritual Insight

Recently I heard a report on the news about how the new president of Egyptian Mohamed Morsi called Jews ‘descendants of apes and pigs.’

I thought of what my grandsons say one school teacher has taught them. “When others call you ugly names, do not let their ugliness make you say something bad. Just say to them, “I am rubber and you are glue. Whatever you call me bounces off and comes back on you! “   

I also thought of what a Mrs. Rogers once told our class, “All of us were born with the face we have. If you want to improve your looks, start smiling as you compliment others. Remember this, you were not responsible for the face you were born with, but your attitude expressed toward others determines what your face of the future looks like.” 

I have found a blessed way to brighten the face of others. Often I say to someone, “Thank you for your smile. It helps make my day.” The response I usually receive is a bigger smile and these words: “Thank you. You too have a smile that blesses all of us.”

By the way, the next time you see a picture of Mohamed Morsi’s face, ask yourself, “Is this face evidence that Mrs. Rogers was right when she said, “whatever you call others bounces off them and comes back on you. The last picture I saw of Mohamed Morsi when he was calling Jews pigs, I thought “if my face and body looked like President Morsi, I certainly would not bring up the word “pig.”

Read John 4:1-42 to see what happened when a stranger came to town. Note how his treatment of one out-cast woman brought joy and new life, not only to her, but also to many others that day.

Curtis Schofield is a retired United Methodist minister. He and his wife, Clara, have served two churches in Dade County. In retirement he volunteers through Trenton United Methodist Church to help small churches.