Popisms
Pops always knew the right things to say or the scripture to quote and delivered it at the right time in the right way.
My give a damn just doesn't give a damn.
"Some days it's darker than hell. Some days you can't see a damn thing."
"People are just no damn good"
(Pops never cussed, except when it made things funnier!)
"Y'all come back now, ya hear?"
Before Motel 6 ever said it, Pops would say to guests who were leaving:
"We'll leave the lights on,"
meaning "come back soon"
(When driving through little Wyo Towns that were no more than a Post Office, Gas Station and Liquor Store)
"Nice town up ahead we're in, wasn't it?"
When talking about the local basketball team, Pops' favorite things to say was:
"well, we're short, but we're slow."
Whenever someone would say that something they did caused their team to lose, Pops would say: "I hate to tell you this, but you just aren't that important."
> Chip: "Pops is actually more remarkable to me for the things I DON'T remember him saying such as untruths or exaggerations, words of lust or envy, careless or cutting words said in anger, or really, any outward expression of anger." I also don't remember any unsupportive, uncaring, or unloving words to those in need. Plus, no self-adulation or boasting (and yet so much he could have boasted about); no unkind, critical or harsh words, not even a raised voice to anyone he knew, and notably none of that ever to his wife. Lastly, I don't remember any words implying any sense of superiority, privilege, or entitlement. Nor any untrusting or humiliating words spoken to anyone. He never even used the word no (or any derivation thereof) to those asking for help. No "no" anything he thought God wanted from him. In fact, no inappropriate words… ever! Pops always knew the right things to say or the scripture to quote and delivered it at the right time in the right way. And most importantly, he knew when to say nothing at all. Do you know anyone like that?!"
"There are two things that if you do them, your life will go much better. First, never ask a woman if she is pregnant. Second, if someone offers you a breath mint, take it."
> Chip: "That is just good solid advice from my Dad! However, other than that offered in his fantastic sermons, he wasn't big on giving advice. I think that was mostly because he was so humble that he rarely assumed he knew more than anyone else. However, when he did give it, it was spot on and with enough levity that you just might hear it."
