Do you ever think about the meaning of words? I have heard and witnessed the meaning of words being changed, perverted or even just over used. Sometimes it can come across as people not quite knowing their vocabulary (and this certainly happens to me!), but when the purpose is to distract and destroy the real meaning, then we need to be on guard for it.
What types of words or phrases am I referring to? Three spring to mind right off:
Adult
I am thrilled to report that the dictionary could not find a meaning to adulting. Even my editor underlines the word as misspelled! And that’s because it is!
When I first heard this word used in the phrase “I can’t adult today” it really wasn’t that clever and cute to me. But I can be quite a harsh judge in some areas so I gave it little to no more thought. … And then the word began appearing in multiple places.
“Grow up!” my thoughts whispered to the makers of these items. This generation is so eager to abandon God-ordained roles and responsibilities and chase after petty distractions. And this distresses me greatly. We have only one shot at life – only one chance to represent God and fill the role He’s hand-picked for us! We must give Him our best! And that means stepping up and taking responsibility for our lives!
Interestingly, not only did the misuse of the term “adult” bother me because of the connotation, but it was pointed out to me that the grammatical use of the word was all wrong too! The word as we know it is an adjective. It describes something (you probably remember the test for an adjective from school – the adj thing is very adj – so in this case, the adult thing is very adult). But notice, when the word is used as in “I can’t adult today” or the ever popular #adulting, it is being used as a verb. Not only are the meaning of words getting warped, so is how they are used in sentence structure!
Empower: to give power or authority to
The meaning of the word seems pretty straightforward to me, but the idea seems to have come up increasingly more with the intent to empower focused solely on women. Organizations are being created, funding is being established, meetings are being held – all with the goal to empower women.
To be honest, this idea puts me off. Women are seeking equality with men. And I have news for you, men and women are different – there is no qualifying them as equal. The roles and purposes that they serve are far too different! To add a little humor, let me borrow a quote from a 1950s movie:
Eve: “Oh Betty, men are men, and well, women are women. And there isn’t anything you can do to change that!”
Betty {eager to catch a man of her own} “I don’t want to change anything, I just want to get in on it!
Women already have areas of strength – they are naturally wired to help and serve others. To be mothers and teachers. They love to embellish the lives of those around them – be it in decorating or adding special touches to tasks. Listening and empathizing are also areas where they excel. Perhaps instead of seeking further empowerment and equality with men, we should work more faithfully to strengthen the areas with which we have been naturally blessed.
The truth of the matter is, it is a man’s world. And I hope it always will be! Men are natural-born leaders. Their function is to lead and protect! If we as women will more faithfully fill the role we have been assigned, we will encourage our men to more capably fill theirs!
It’s a well-known fact that people will fill their role more effectively when they detect a need. When a woman appreciates a man’s strengths and lets him fill the role he was created to fill, he will be far more inspired to fill his role with intention and purpose! On the contrary, if a woman is too busy handling everything, then why would a man need to get involved? When you act like you have all bases covered you really take the wind out of another person’s sails! Each of us need to be needed!
So let’s definitely empower each other – men to be strong, godly leaders and women to be their ladylike help meets! Rather than fighting our God ordained roles, let’s embrace them and be our most remarkable selves!
Introvert: a person characterized by concern primarily with his or her own thoughts and feelings
Quite honestly, I am quite weary of hearing this word, this excuse. Do you know what else though? I can identify with it. As I write this post, I am by myself – I’ve pushed my door closed so that I can focus and form my thoughts without distraction. And as I sit here, I enjoy it. It’s cozy, peaceful, quiet, and inspiring. Now does this mean that I am introverted? Perhaps for the time being. But just as soon as I am finished (in all likelihood really, before I am finished here) I will be interacting with and seeking out people, for conversation, information and ideas.
I’ve heard this word used so much as an excuse. Not that others have meant to give excuses, just that they explain themselves as being introverted. But do you know that the definition of an introvert is startlingly close to the definition of selfish? Look it up! And have you ever read the synonyms for introvert: egotist, narcissist, loner, brooder. I don’t want any of those words associated with me and I’m sure you don’t either!
There is definitely a time for taking care of self or being briefly introverted, but it should not be a lifestyle goal. Find a different word to strive for – perhaps meek or quiet or gentle – but let us work hard to not be completely introverted!
What are some words and phrases that you have to be alert to? Let’s be extra careful of the words we read and use, and let’s (tactfully!) help our friends and family be careful with their words too! Let us live for God and let our focus be so completely on Him that we don’t get caught up in the distractions of the day!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Speaking of the meaning of words, have you read about choosing a word of the year? Read it here: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2017/05/31/choosing-your-word-of-the-year/