Christ-A-Tarian

Friday, November 26, 2021, 10:31

Question: Why promote a negative characteristic?

Answer: Who defines what is negative?

As we begin the holiday season, I wanted to share a way that my readers can take a negative and “flip” it to a positive. Over the last year and half, we have definitely seen too much negative. One way to accomplish this is to look at words and how they are used. Specifically, many words or phrases can be characterized as negative; yet, when applied differently they can take on a more positive role. To illustrate, younger generations are masters of changing the meanings of words. For example, in the 80’s when I was younger, (Yes, I was once young and hip 😊) “Wicked” was not just defined as evil, vicious, & disgusting, it was “flipped” to mean even better than good or awesome. . . It was “wicked awesome”! Of course, New Englanders still love that word and pretty much put it at the beginning of every sentence. In addition, to bring an example for those who are even younger, the word, “Mad” does not mean one is angry, it is used like “Wicked” to emphasize awesomeness!

Which brings me to this blog’s Question/Answer-with-a-question post. Recently, while reading a devotional from my YouVersion Bible App, I read the words “Navel-gazing”. To be honest, I did not know what it meant; however, I could tell by the content that it was not being used to describe a positive characteristic. Thus, I searched my browser, “DuckDuckGo” and saw that it meant: “self-indulgent or excessive contemplation of oneself or a single issue, at the expense of a wider view”. Well, that definitely is not an encouraging phrase! 

Although I am no longer considered young, as a writer, I do like to “play” with words. For me, I view the “navel” as proof of life. To explain, the bellybutton is the result of a child’s connection to his mother in the womb. It is the lifeline of blood, nutrients, and oxygen. Therefore, navel-gazing can be “flipped” to mean “a focus of life, creation, bond, and love”. So, let’s use this in a sentence with its new meaning: "Thanksgiving is the perfect day to navel-gaze as you celebrate with family and friends".

As we pass through Thanksgiving and see Christmas on the horizon, choose to “reverse” the negative that is bombarding all aspects of the media (social & news): Be a NEW navel-gazer and show the world around you Who defines your viewpoint. By keeping our focus on Christ’s sacrificial love, we can redefine our attitudes and come together to heal our relationships, community, and nation-Amen!

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life”. (John 3:16).

**Suggested Song:

for KING & COUNTRY - TOGETHER (feat. Kirk Franklin & Tori Kelly) [Official Music Video] - YouTube


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