I prefer words.

I am not an especially big fan of numbers. That is probably a little disconcerting coming from someone who is mis-cast in the role of an administrator. Numbers and I have always had a tension-filled relationship, even back to grade school days. I have always preferred the company of words. Numbers portray facts and absolutes. 2 always fits between 1 & 3 and represents a value exactly between them. Words, on the other hand, can be arranged in many different ways, and different words can be used to convey the same thought in a different light.

Numbers can't reveal all that they represent without the help of words. Financial statements represent the reality of the moment, but they are incapable of telling the whole story without accompanying narraration. Businessmen have always looked for the one page report that would give a complete and accurate representation of financial status, but it still doesn't exist. It will always require a story told by the person who was there on a daily basis and who understands the trends represented by the numbers.

Words can convey emotion, where numbers can only convey value. "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11

I prefer words.