Reflecting on 2020

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The Yale Book of Quotations was first published in 2006 as a scholarly compilation of quotations focusing primarily on modern and American quotations. With an alphabetical list of more than 12,000 quotes, the book reflects its editors' exhaustive search for accurate original sources as well as misattributions (the phrase "Go West, young man" indeed was from Horace Greeley, for example, not John Soule as Bartlett's and The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations have erroneously reported).

Each year, Editor Fred Shapiro compiles new quotes to update the collection, and the Yale Law School library announced yesterday that "Wear a mask" tops the list for 2020. Here are the top 10 most significant quotes from 2020, according to Yale:

  1. "Wear a mask." Dr. Anthony Fauci, May 21.

  2. "I can't breathe." George Floyd, May 25.

  3. "One day -- it's like a miracle -- it will disappear." President Trump referring to the coronavirus, February 27.

  4. "I see the disinfectant that knocks it out in a minute, one minute. And is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside or almost a cleaning?" President Trump, April 23.

  5. "I will never lie to you. You have my word on that." White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany, May 1.

  6. "My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed." Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, September.

  7. "If you have a problem figuring out whether you're for me or Trump, then you ain't Black." President-elect Joe Biden, May 22.

  8. "The science should not stand in the way of this." Kayleigh McEnany referring to school reopenings, July 16.

  9. "You're a lying dog-faced pony soldier." Joe Biden, February 9.

  10. "We are all Lakers today." Los Angeles Clippers Coach Doc Rivers after the death of Kobe Bryant, January 26.

Politics aside, I hope you hear a collective longing to encapsulate time in a single quote, misplaced assumption, or word of wisdom -- particularly in a year of trials. What Scripture or wise word would you assign to 2020? My go-to life verse is John 14:27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. This year has been marked by uncertainty and anxiety for all of us, but what a God-gift it would be to look back on my life one day and affirm that I have done my utmost to live by Jesus' words in this verse.

How about you? Do you have a favorite Bible verse? If so, do you seek each day to make decisions, measure your emotions, and bless others with the Holy Spirit empowerment of that verse? As our culture chuckles (or groans) at the most significant quotes of 2020, what will you name as the verse or word of wisdom that defines how you aspire to live your life in this time, particularly in this Advent season?

Have a blessed week.

Jennie

Rev. Dr. Jennie A. Harrop