Clear As Mud?
Back in the 80's E L O had a popular song with a misheard word. "Groos" was sung as a filler for a void in the tune that turned out to mean "greetings" in some other language. Most folks thought they were singing "Bruce". Later, they often sang it that way; adding Bruce during concerts just for fun. They didn't let a misheard word ruin their good time.
Yesterday, I was talking with my daughter as she examined a gift she had ordered for me. She said something and I replied, but the look on her face wasn’t what I expected. Thankfully I repeated myself instead of just letting it go! She thought I had said, "It's okay, I'm not using it." when in fact I said, "It's okay, I'm not usually." Holy Smokes! Would she have just gone to bed thinking I hated her gift? What if I hadn't been able to read her face and repeated what I had said to insure she understood?
Our family has fun singing words my father in law puts to familiar songs-we all know them and find hilarity in his creativity... Additionally, my husband and I love to sing our favorite songs together loud and proud while traveling and I used to try to correct misheard words, but sometimes I paid more attention to the incorrect words that were being sung than the meaning of the song; which is really more important I now realize.
Misused, misheard, mistaken, whatever the mishap, words cannot be unspoken.
I’ve seen an illustration that showed the difficulty and mess of trying to get toothpaste back in the tube after being expelled, symbolizing the effort of trying to take back words that have been blurted out and regretted later. It doesn’t work.
I recently learned a very hard lesson where I used a lyric that meant the complete opposite of how I perceived it. What I thought to be a protective and kind gesture was not taken as such; understandably once it was brought to my attention and I looked up the lyrics! Thankfully the matter was communicated and resolved. But the lesson will stick with me for the rest of my life!
James hit home when he pointed out how unruly the tongue can be. (vs 10. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.)
Keeping our hearts and minds from hurtful thoughts and slander is a good tool to keep our words from hurting. Having a joyful heart is a great tool to have in order to use our words to bless others.
James 3:5 “...Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”
Whether a made up word or re-use of lyrics, making sure you fully understand, or at least communicate what you MEAN to convey, should be well thought out beforehand.
Communication is important. Make sure to mean what you say, and say what you mean CLEARLY. Words cannot be unspoken and covering dirt with mud just makes a bigger mess.
