Dear Friends,
If you haven’t begun a New Year’s resolution yet, consider improving your vocabulary. The point is: words matter.
A week ago, the Rochester's Democrat and Chronicle newspaper carried an article about words. The article – a report on a study done last year – recommended that we discontinue using some common words and phrases, like “you guys” and “that’s crazy” and develop ways of enhancing life by the words we use.
Our political jargon does not generally build up the good in society, but frequently diminishes people and positive efforts that the opposing party is making. We walk on common ground, but do not always speak common truth clearly.
Words can isolate us or create categories of separation. They can also elevate our thinking, speaking and sharing. Words can change our perspective as well as our conversations. Did it ever occur to you that one way we cherish people is through the words we use? Words can open or close our hearts. Examples of words that enlarge us include affirm, appreciate, belong, embrace, honor, inspire, relish, seek wisdom, unite, welcome, and many more.
Some words are more precise than others. Our choice of words offers clarity to what we are saying, or not. Concepts that alienate some are valuable to others. How do we find a balanced way of communicating without losing the power of words or our own integrity?
Sometimes our emotions overtake the meaning of words. We may, for example, have past memories of current emotions that certain words generate. It’s important to work through these memories.
Coaches who work with people on their way of communicating sometimes ask their clients to consider these questions before speaking:
Is it true?
Does it need to be said?
Does it need to be said now?
Am I the one to say it?
Why am I talking about words in a blog that purports to be a link to faith? Because we belong to the Word of God. The words we use connect us to the Word Made Flesh, Jesus, the Holy One, the Son of God and Son of Mary, whose birth events we have recently celebrated. He is the Truth of God. He speaks simply but profoundly that the poor and outcast are to be honored. He gathers people as a mother hen gathers her young and offers them life. The words that Jesus speaks and the ministries He performs arise from the same indisputable core: He is one with God.
Working at the congruence that Jesus has in word and deed is a lifetime effort for us.
So, let’s encourage each other as we strive to develop attitudes of curiosity, goodwill, and openness in our choice of words.
~ Sister Joan Sobala
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