"The Power of Words"

The Reverend Franklin Frigillana, is a committed pastor of the Nazarene Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in the tough Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, New York. One of the oldest African-American congregations in the city of New York, Nazarene has a distinguished track record of service to the African-American community nationally. The sanctuary of the Nazarene church is a model of elegance amid simplicity. Its beautiful stained glass windows extend up to the ceiling. The entire sanctuary is a marvel of design, with varnished wood ceilings and elaborately painted walls across the sanctuary facing the colorful windows.

If this appears to be an invitation, yes, it is: worship services are held on Sundays at 11 am. To our knowledge, Franklin is the only classmate who has made a lifetime career as pastor. Franklin has kindly penned the following essay in tribute to Ms. Dolores Valdez, our English teacher in fourth year.

The Power of Words

Our English subject in the Highs School was handled by a very refine lady of good character and speech in the person of Ms. Valdez whose articulate English was influence by the western culture. A student to pursue academic excellence can first excel English language to be able to communicate and comprehend ideas contributory in enriching to the world order. Ms Valdez inspired us and made good impression as communicator.

She told us a story of a couple who parted ways because of poor communication on English language and at the end of heated rebotling of words the woman said: “ip you will not tolirit let us sipirit”. The two separated ways as husband and wife and their married vows of the “yes, I do” ended because of wrong words and diction. There are many instances in human relationships in politics, social, economic, and “what have you” or any enterprise can bring devastation if words are not properly use and how it is said.

Words are powerful; it can transform the world. Words can destroy or to build up. It can reconcile enemies or alienates a person. Words should be handled with care. They are very precious yet dangerous. I was once a student who stammers and stutter in the class and my peers laugh at me and the sad thing I am sickly.

Say the word and you can move the mountain tantamount to saying that “you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you”. Talk to the stars and they will display their shinning ray. Talk to the tress and they supply you their produce. Say good words in the garden and the flowers start to bloom to give you beauty Say, I am healthy and you are well. Say, I am sick and you are really sick. What you say to yourself is what you are. Speak the word and you can command anything in your favor. When you are stressful and or distress and your heart starts to beat fast, talk to your heart and say: Calm down dear heart, “keep still and know that He is God.”

I stammer and stutter and sick that was then. And now I am a preacher who shares the Word to give life and shares the Truth who is Jesus Christ.