Saturday night we had dinner and a movie at church, with a viewing of Blind Side.
The movie is based on a true story and has a wonderful message of love, endurance, trust, and hope.
I counted about 5 unacceptable words throughout the whole movie; at least, they were unacceptable to me since I do not talk that way.
Then I started thinking.
Acceptability in language of uses of words, terms, and phrases is often determined by how one was raised.
I remember when I was a pre-teen that we were watching American Bandstand one Saturday.
Of course they always played the latest tunes and the kids would dance to it.
It was evident that one of the young women dancing wasn’t wearing any supportive upper-undergarment.
My aunt turns to my grandmother and says, “She’s not wearing a… a “B”!”
For her the word “bra” was an offense of some sort.
I know another person that views the word “crap” as bad and offensive; but it’s a common word to me and I often use it liberally.
Others take offense at the use of the word “butt” and prefer rear-end.
And I know of at least one church that has condemned the word “stupid” and sees it as an offensive word.
But moving along, what about the offense of offending?
That is, by the tone of voice or the wording of words?
I read a church sign the other day that said, “Blunt words still have sharp edges!”
That is so true.
Each of us can offend someone without ever using bad language.
I’m reminded of what God’s word has encouraged each of us to do; Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Col 4:6
And sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Titus 2:8
The movie used the word a_s several times, which is offensive to me. Then I get home and am watching a TV sitcom and it’s used on it.
Movies, TV, sayings on t-shirts, and even the conversation of others can all be used as teaching tools for our children or grandchildren on what not to say or how to say something better.
I know that in the case of my grandkids, they’ll learn every bad, foul, nasty word and term in school.
At least that’s where I was taught!