Sunday, September 5, 2010
Words...
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I just finished reading the book "Lost Mission" by Athol Dickson. It's a fairly casual novel; nothing particularly noteworthy. But there was one paragraph that stood out to me:
"Whether we are gods whose speech can form creation, or creatures formed by godly speech, all agree creative power emanates from language as heat does from the sun. Words are not inert tools to be wielded haphazardly like a hoe or spade. Words can heal a broken heart, or cut as deeply as a sharpened sword."
I believe this to be true of written, spiritual words like those found in Scripture. I believe this to be true of spoken words between friends, mentors and family. I hope that I can keep a close watch on my words, and wield their creative power carefully.
I just finished reading the book "Lost Mission" by Athol Dickson. It's a fairly casual novel; nothing particularly noteworthy. But there was one paragraph that stood out to me:
"Whether we are gods whose speech can form creation, or creatures formed by godly speech, all agree creative power emanates from language as heat does from the sun. Words are not inert tools to be wielded haphazardly like a hoe or spade. Words can heal a broken heart, or cut as deeply as a sharpened sword."
I believe this to be true of written, spiritual words like those found in Scripture. I believe this to be true of spoken words between friends, mentors and family. I hope that I can keep a close watch on my words, and wield their creative power carefully.
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1 comment:
"Words are not inert tools". I love that.
If the paragraph you quote struck a nerve with you, and you'd like to dig into some thick stuff about the power of words, I'll recommend you read some Kenneth Burke (perhaps again, as I recommend him a lot). On Symbols and Society is a good primer & excellent place to start.
I'll warn you: it's dense, but it can radically alter the way you think about language and action.
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