An Eye-Catching Article and a Long-time Memory!
As I was going through and clearing out my daily email inbox, I came across a title that saved this message from the delete button. The title that grabbed my attention was, 6 Words Invented in the Age of the Smartphone. Of the 6, 4 really caused me to think. The first is Swipe Left/Right. SwipeRight means you’re accepted, you made the cut, you’re considered worthwhile. As you might guess, Swipe Left means just the opposite – you don’t count, get lost, or to quote a terrible phrase that needs t be stricken from our vocabulary but sadly is used all to often, you’re a loser.
The next word I suspect all of us have heard – selfie. We were already pretty self-absorbed before the advent of smartphones. Now I realize the term stands for a picture you take of yourself, but I think it also represents a spreading sense that life is all about me and if that it is as true as I suspect it is, it is tragic. There are too many who think that life is all about them, what they want, what they are doing or desire etc. The third and fourth words are related. They both came about by putting the prefix “un” in front of otherwise very positive words. The 2 are, unlike and unfriend.
In spite of my protest I suspect these are words that are here to stay. And that leads me to my memory from many years ago. When our oldest son was about 15 or so months old we were living outside of Philadelphia in Downingtown PA. For the year we lived in that area we were close to my sister and her husband, Dave who was finishing up the final year of an orthopedic residency at Temple. Dave and Bonnie would come over to our apartment in Downingtown to visit and play with our son, Jay. The play he (and I suspect Dave also) enjoyed the most was chasing each other around the yard between the buildings. There was always lots of noise and laughter in these times and shear delight as little stubby legged Jay would chase his uncle Dave around – almost always catching him but never quite. I think Jay would have done this for hours on end if given the chance. After a bit we would take a break and go back inside. After a few minutes when the adults were catching our breath, Dave from running around and the rest of us from laughing, Jay would come up to Dave and tug on his leg and say “Dit-Dit”. He couldn’t yet say Dave, but he could say “Dit-Dit”. Uncle Dave for many years after that was affectionately referred to as Uncle “Dit-Dit”. And as you may have guessed “Dit-Dit” was a plea to come out and play some more. Most of the time Dave would pick him up and continue to play in some form that wasn’t quite as taxing, but Jay would love just as much. More than once our son simply conked out in his uncle’s arms – you know how a toddler can be alert and active one moment and then in the san of a finger he or she is out like a light.
Perhaps you have seen the relationship between these two experiences. It is that our words matter. They make a huge impact. Language and communication experts teach that our non-verbal communications carry 93% of every message and that our words account for the remaining 7% of the message. I understand the wisdom and truth of this break down. But the 7% that our words carry is still very important. I have heard too many accounts from people over the years where words spoken to them have shaped their lives for years to come. In too many instances the words were negative, “You’ll never amount to anything”, “You’re nothing but a trouble maker”, “You’re ugly”, “You’re a loser”, “Who do you think you are”, “Nobody will ever love you”, “You’re lazy and good for nothing”. There have also been questions with the same soul piercing impact, “Who do you think you are?”, “Why would anyone want you?”, “How could you?”. The list of statements and questions could go on and on.
Sadly, we are in for a barrage of negativity and fear mongering in the coming months.
Here is an antidote for what is about to descend upon us. It comes from the heart of the Old Testament in the beginning of the 43rd chapter of the Prophet Isaiah:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Grace and Peace, John
Thank You for Your Faithful Support!
Although many churches find themselves in the midst of a financial crisis. (Did you know the word crisis has its origins in Greek culture during the time of Hippocrates and was first used in medicine. The term crisis was originally used to describe that time when a sick patient could either live or die!). While finances continue to remain tight, we are most certainly NOT AMONG those in a crisis. The reason is your faithful support in these challenging times. Based upon your faithfulness and generosity in the past I am not surprised but I am deeply appreciative. Thank yo