|
May 6th.
2009
THE POWER OF WORDS
When Vice President Joe Bidden was asked by Today host
Matt Lauer what precautions he was recommending to his own family about
the Swine Flu, it was like watching a car wreck take place right in
front of you. “I would tell my family not to fly, get on the subway or
any other place where there is tight confinement,” the Vice President
proclaimed.
You could almost hear the alarm sounding at the White House as the
usually unguarded Vice President finished his statement. In fact, as
soon as the on the hour headlines where being reported on the Today Show
there was already a retort.
It’s at moments like this I have at least two reactions. First, I feel
incredibly sorry for the person making the gaffe. The second is I wish I
had “people” to assist me in recovering quickly when I err.
Preacher Charles Capps said this about words, "Words are the most
powerful thing in the universe... Words are containers. They contain
faith, or fear.”
Words are powerful. We all know that feeling when we have said something
that we regret or conversely when someone has said something to us that
cuts like a knife. Yet, words also have the power to influence, inspire
and illuminate us to new possibilities.
Take for example our Easter acclamation, Alleluia! Christ is Risen! The
Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! Incredibly powerful words that boldly
proclaim the new life that is ours!
Blessings,
The Rev. Brian N. Prior, Rector
Click to view archived 'Messages'
|
