i am right, rhetorically speaking...

GRATEFUL GIRL'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
It may have been years ago when you were a kid, trying to maneuver a new bicycle or skate board from your parents. Perhaps it is you who is being pitched a bill of goods by an offspring who covets a new smart phone. Then again, maybe you're trying to convince your boss that you are more than worthy of a bonus, promotion or even permission to attend that conference in Florida next month.

The art of persuasion. Back in my undergrad days, a favorite professor of mine taught us that rhetoric is the literal art of persuasion; the ability to use words to convince someone of your argument ... not so much based on its merit as your ability to sell the story. Hmm. 

The older I get, the more I realize that rhetoric absolutely is a skill; one I have seen both masterfully woven and worn --- and pitifully conceived and haplessly executed. I like to think my capability lies nearer the former than the latter...surely you agree. Wink. Know what the secret to successfully arguing your case is? Believing in it. Select those battles that are not only worth winning but also deserving of the fight itself. Nothing sells a point better than legitimacy, accuracy and sincerity.

Yep, after all those Bachelor's communication courses and then the Master's classes for the professional writing certificate, all I need to know about winning an argument I learned at age five: be honest and speak from your heart.

R. (see 1a) Blessed are those who fear the Lord. Blessed are you who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways! For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored. Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD. The LORD bless you from Zion: may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Alleluia Jas 1:21bc  Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.