Old Dogs And New Tricks

Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

“Good morning, friend! God gave me the best idea for a devotional this morning. I’m sending you the rough, rough draft and would love your thoughts.” Texting a follow-up screenshot to my friend, I grinned. Some writing days feel exceptionally divinely inspired, and I suspected this story would be impactful.

Returning from a break to refresh my coffee, I reread the draft I’d sent her, wincing over a cliché I’d used to describe being deemed among the least powerful in a community. My fingers had been flying across the keyboard, and I hadn’t stopped to think through the analogy.

“Um. That cliché has mildly racist undertones. I’m so sorry I used it. I wasn’t thinking, and I won’t do it again.” My second text zipped off to my friend, a woman of color who has been undeniably gracious as I’ve worked hard to remove hurtful words and phrases from my language that, where I grew up, simply rolled off everyone’s tongues.

It turns out that old dogs can learn new tricks, and I’m exhibit A. Rather than getting defensive, arguing that my good intentions ought to cancel out any harm the words themselves might cause, being willing to reform my vocabulary is an outward manifestation of my desire to care for all God’s people.

It costs me nothing to jettison hurtful language. I simply have to listen and believe when I’m told a particular phrase or word is hurtful, even if that word or phrase doesn’t cause me the same pain. When I mess up (and I do), I’ve learned that an immediate, sincere apology without excuses or justification is the best approach. While it is a process, I hold myself to a high standard in light of today’s verse, knowing that I’m called to look out for my brothers and sisters in Christ (and others) with both my words and my deeds.

If you are looking for places to start your own journey of rethinking the language you use, I highly recommend looking into the social media postings of fellow believers from different races, nationalities, and countries. I’ve gratefully lurked on many of their accounts, prayerfully learning and processing and then seeking clarification from my real-life friends of color.

Julie

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Prayerfully ask God if you need a language reformation. Start by reading books or following social media accounts of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) believers.