Quite a few years ago in preparing a lesson, I came across this poem from a conference talk given by David O. McKay. I was so impressed with it that I made a copy of it, and it has had a “place of Honor” on my refrigerator door since then. Recently, I gave a lesson at the Purdy Prison on decision making, and I grabbed this poem from its honored spot on my refrigerator door and made copies for the women who attend our service that day. If you decide to share this with your family you may need to explain to the younger members what a “record and a phonograph” are, (boy, do I feel old). It may also be a good starting point for discussion with your youth.
Have a happy spring,
Kandice Carnahan
1st counselor, Gig Harbor Stake Relief Society
You tell on yourself by the friends you
seek,
By the very manner in which you
speak,
By the way you employ your leisure
time,
By the use you make of a dollar and
dime,
You tell what you are by the things you
wear,
And even by the way you wear your
hair,
By the kind of things at which you
laugh,
By the records you play on your
phonograph,
You tell what you are by the way you
walk,
By the things of which you delight to
talk,
By the manner in which you bury
deceit,
By so simple a thing as how you
eat,
By the books you choose from the well filled
shelf,
In these ways and more you tell on
yourself,
David O. McKay, Conference Report. October 1969