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."

[log in to unmask]