It’s worth thinking about …. Cordiality!
February 29

Cordial is a word for “heart”. The heart of heart is KARDIA, a Greek term that most often refers to the “center of the inner life, the source or seat of all the forces and functions of our inner person (being). So when we think about being cordial, we are thinking about something that covers from and affects the very center of life. Webster for that reason defines “cordial” as … “of or relating to the heart, vital, tending to revive, cheer or invigorate, heartfelt, gracious…”

Think about that! Being cordial literally starts from the heart. Its origin begins with the deep seated belief that the other person is important, genuinely significant, deserving of my individual attention, my unrivaled attention, if only for a few minutes. As cordiality is encouraged, it prompts me to be sensitive to the persons feelings.

• If he is uneasy, self conscious or timid, cordiality alerts me to put him at ease, to help him feel comfortable.
• If he is shy, cordiality provides warmth and acceptance.
• If he is bored and bothered, cordiality stimulates and invigorates him.
• If he is sad and gloomy, cordiality brings cheer, it can revive and rejuvenate him.

Cordiality: what a needed and necessary virtue it is.

Well then, how do we project cordiality? In at least four ways.

1. A Warm Friendly Smile: Now you know you can’t fake a ‘warm friendly smile”. You certainly don’t learn to smile by practicing in front of a mirror. A smile has to be a natural part of who you are. Being genuine and caring is who each of us should be. There is nothing about you more magnetic or attractive than your genuine smile. A warm and genuine smile will fit most every occasion and it will communicate volumes to the other person. Oh, by the way, nothing repels like a frown—or attracts like a genuine smile.
2. A Firm Handshake: Preachers are kind of specialist when it come to handshakes. Some are bonecrushers—like a cross between Superman and Goliath. Others are completely boneless—like a handful of jell-o or warm pudding. There are still other handshakes that leave you exhausted, then others cling like a crab and then there are those that turn into a curious hand wrestling match.
   However, there are those, that are solid and sure that project such thoughts as, “Oh, how I appreciate you!” or “My it’s good to be in your presence!” And, of course, when you combine a “firm handshake” with “a warm friendly smile”, that lets you know that you are loved and appreciated. Never underestimate the value of this cordial
   expression of appreciation.
3. Direct Eye-to-Eye Contact:Accompanying every warm smile and firm handshake, no matter how brief, ought to be an eyeball-to-eyeball encounter. Did you know that the eyes reflect deep feelings which are enclosed in the secret chamber of your soul that has no other means of
   release. This eye-to-eye contact enables others to read your feelings for them. Cordiality cannot be expressed indirectly.
4. An Encouraging Word: Always keep your “encouraging words fresh and to the point words” never using meaningless clichés. Always, if possible, call the person’s name (or ask for it) and use it as you talk. If time permits, mention something you honestly appreciate about him or her. Always be specific and natural, but do not try to flatter the person. Let your heart be freely felt (cordial) as your word flow.
   

Come on Heritage….Let’s spread some sweetness through a cordial heart.

Woodrow Hudson
Interim Pastor