Reflections for 1/30/11

"It speaks in a way they cannot avoid hearing for themselves, which is the awesome power of words because although there are times when they shield us from reality, at other times they assail us with it."(F. Buechner "Listening to Your Life" p. 27)

Words have gotten a lot of press lately. Our nation is in a debate about what is appropriate to say or not say. Are certain words inflammatory by nature, or is their power solely in the ear of the hearer and how their mind or lack there of processes what is heard.

There are two ways that we encounter words. There is the written word and there is the spoken word, which of course can be an articulation of the written.  Written words with no voice are completely open to interpretation.  Why do you think a book such as the Bible can have so many readers who can come to such different conclusions?

Spoken words have even more power to be misunderstood. The tone of voice that the speaker uses often conveys more than the actual words that are said.  It is also true that my own mood will affect how I hear what someone is saying.

There are words that will challenge us, and sometimes even strike down the false sense of self. There are also words that can affirm and build up.  And depending upon the importance of the person who says things to us, especially in relationship to us, will make some words even more powerful than when they are first written or spoken.

Blessings,
Ed