Thursday, September 3, 2009

The Power of Language

I believe the power of language is displayed everyday in life, whether it’s on television, in a classroom, or simply a conversation between friends. When another person has the ability to make an impression on me using only words, I feel that is showing the power of language. Being able to communicate productively with a co-worker, classmate or teammate also demonstrates the power of language. For example, back in kindergarten when we were told if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all, we as children were being shown the power of language by trying to explain to us how hurtful words can be to others.
When I think about a defining moment when I felt the power of language, my mind always goes to certain sermons I have heard in church. One that specifically sticks out to me happened on a Sunday like any other Sunday, except for the fact that I was especially down and seemed to have had a very bad week. I was not interested in being at church and couldn’t wait to be able to go back to bed. As a Christian it’s hard for me to admit I was not fully engaged in this sermon, but I must be honest, I was rather agitated my parents had forced me to go. The service began as it always did, opening with worship songs which we all stood as a congregation and sang together, I was relaxing a bit more, but still wanted to get through the day’s service quickly.
We all took our seats and the pastor took his position at his pulpit and opened with this question, “Who is having a bad day?” Immediately I wondered if he had seen me pouting out in the rows and was nervous he was going to call me out personally on it. Fortunately, it was a question to the entire congregation and about fifty hands went up in response to his question. The pastor then went on to tell a story that was related to God’s undying forgiveness to his followers. He spoke about a man who basically spent his time speaking out against God and the bible until Jesus appeared to this man to ask him why. The man responded by saying that his whole life had been a disaster and he didn’t believe in God because he never helped him. God responded by saying “how can I help you if I don’t exist in your heart?” The story went on and ended with this man taking God into his heart and he went on to become a happier man. Not a better man with a better life, just a man who had faith on his side.
As I sat there and let this story play through my head I felt the largest wave of guilt flow over me. As a faithful person I had let my own petty problems take over and block my eyes from what was important. I believe the pastor’s words that day were meant for me and showed the power of language by verbalizing the work of God. The power of language is a great thing that we all need to be understood and keep our ears open to, because we never know what is being said specifically for us as individuals to hear.

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