----- Original Message ----- 
From: "email_2coco" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, September 29, 2007 12:08 PM
Subject: fw: I know the shepherd


> got this on another list and thought I'd share.
> --
> I Know The Shepherd
> There was once a Shakespearean actor who was known everywhere for his
> one-man shows of readings and recitations from the classics. He would
> always end his performance with a dramatic reading of Psalm 23.
> 
> Each night, without exception, as the actor began his recitation -
> "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want"..the crowd would listen
> attentively. And then, at the conclusion of the Psalm, they wold rise
> in thunderous applause in appreciation of the actor's incredible
> ability to bring the verse to life.
> 
> But one night, just before the actor was to offer his customary
> recital of Psalm 23, a young man from the audience spoke up. "Sir, do
> you mind if tonight I recite Psalm 23?" The actor was quite taken back
> by this unusual request, but he allowed the young man to come forward
> and stand front and center on the stage to recite the Psalm, knowing
> that the ability of this unskilled youth would be no match for his own
> talent.
> 
> With a soft voice, the young man began to recite the words of the
> Psalm. When he was finished, there was no applause. There was no
> standing ovation as on other nights. All that could be heard was the
> sound of weeping. The audience had been so moved by the young man's
> recitation that every eye was full of tears.
> 
> Amazed by what he had heard, the actor said to the youth, "I don't
> understand. I have been performing Psalm 23 for years. I have a
> lifetime of experience and training - but I have never been able to
> move an audience as you have tonight. Tell me, what is your secret?"
> 
> The young man quietly replied, "Well sir, you know the Psalm... I know
> the Shepherd."
> 
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