Words, words, words

 

I was reminded the other day how important it is to be precise in our use of words. I’m just too sloppy. I get very near to what I want to say but just a little off the mark. Of course, this has caused enormous confusion in our household. You see my husband, being a retired shipwright, is very precise and just saying you know what I mean, doesn’t cut it.

I do expect some haziness when I’m talking to younger people. They, my grandchildren, have a different vocabulary often related to gaming. With considerable concentration and a few well-placed nods, I can lull them into thinking I know what they are talking about.

The venue of my enlightenment was the meeting of the Devotional Writing group. You may have heard a new group has started. It was my turn to lead the meeting and I suggested we talk about “Writing Sermons”. While everybody was up for a new topic, some were confused about discussing this topic at a “Devotional Writing” meeting. I discovered my definition was far broader than others.

I always considered that books about prayer, Christian living, spiritual disciplines were devotional writing. Someone else had written a book about a miracle which occurred in her family and considered that devotional writing. What about poetry? Isn’t some of that devotional writing?

A couple of our group weren’t so sure. They were reasonably well-known writers who had some considerable success writing “devotionals”. Their definition was much narrower than mine. We didn’t fight. All being quite mature Christians, we agreed to differ.

However, it did get me to thinking. We assume, well I do anyway, that others concur with our own views on the meaning of words. Isn’t that after all the basis of conversation. Well please excuse my ramblings on a well-worn topic.

For your information, anyone is welcome to join the Devotional Writing Group, regardless of your definition. We are meeting on the first Thursday of the month from 2-4pm

 

 

Reverend Rosalie Weller tries not to take herself too seriously. Life is too short! She enjoys writing in different genres - historical fiction, bible study guides, devotionals and poetry.

She is the Groups' Coordinator for ACW and welcomes any enquiry about groups at groups@christianwriters.co.uk