My good friend John Holland sends me his talks regularly. He is a High Counselor in Southern California. We have shared our gospel knols with each other since high school. Here is an example of a sticky intro. Notice he gives no mention of his topic or the grinding details of what he went through to prepare or how he didn’t prepare etc.
A Sense of the Sacred
John Holland
Walnut park ward
June 26, 2011
When I was playing freshman football in high school I had a friend that although later he went on to receive all-state recognition, hadn’t fully grown into his body. I remember that he wore a size 14 shoe and the rest of him was sized proportional. Because he had some equipment difficulties he was on the sidelines waiting for his helmet to be repaired. It was forth down and the coach yelled “Punt team”. Some players ran off the field and some ran on as they were a part of the punt team. Big Don was one that came into the huddle. It was my job to count all of the players to ensure that we had exactly eleven. As I made my way around the huddle my eyes met Don’s. I asked him “are you ready to hit someone?” and he enthusiastically responded. I asked him again “are you sure?” he practically jumped up and down. Then he instinctively put his hands up on each side of his head and realized that he had forgotten to bring his helmet with him onto the field. I then called a time-out.
(Here is his transition into the topic. He connects the story with the doctrine without preaching or should-ing on the members. We don’t feel guilty or that the speaker is trying to persuade into obedience.)
Certain occasions require certain dress codes. Appropriate dress on the football field is as important as appropriate dress is at church. When I was growing up we used to use the phrase “Sunday best” when we would get all dressed up for special occasions. People understood that this meant the nicest clothes that they had.
(This is the doctrine and the topic. It makes sense because the story gives us a visual.)
Elder D. Todd Christofferson gave an address entitled “A Sense of the Sacred”. In that address he said that he hoped that we would think and feel and dress and act in ways that show reverence and respect for sacred things, sacred places and sacred occasions.
(Citing an apostolic reference adds credibility and a source of more information, IF the members want to seek it out.)
There is a parable about a young woman that walked into a library and made her way to the counter. She then said to the attendant “I’d like a cheese burger a drink and an order of fries.” The startled person behind the counter responded with “excuse me, this is a library” the young lady then leaned in closer to the attendant and whispered “I’d like a cheese burger a drink and an order of fries”.
(Here John adds another humorous visual that illustrates the doctrine. The listener can and will connect many things in their mind. They will see instances where others have dressed inappropriately. Perhaps they will think on times they didn’t dress appropriately.)
