I remember hearing your Dad say often, “For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Since many cuss when they’re angry it makes me wonder if those that do it often or regularly have a lot of anger or bitterness in their heart. As a Christian I don’t want to say anything that would falsely represent my Savior. Just my rambling thoughts this morning.
I remember as a junior high student, Jack Ryan, Kevin DeConstanzo, Kenny Settlemeyer, and I talked about our parents' cursing. I think my dad said maybe two colorful words. My mother was the one who could have filled up a "swear jar" in no time flat.
We talked about the hypocrisy that they could say whatever they liked -- but we would have been slapped silly for saying the same words.
So we formed a private "swear club." It was our rule to: 1) include a cuss word in at least one sentence in our conversations amongst ourselves, and 2) all cuss words were okay -- save for the "f-word" and saying God's name in vain.
The Catholic boy in our group insisted upon saving God's name for prayers; we were all fine with that.
The "Swear Club" ended when Kenny wrote in my autograph book at the end of the year, "To one h*** of a girl!" He spelled it out in the open! I told him he should cross it out and write, "heck" -- just in case my mom went through my stuff.
Went through my stuff, she did!
While cussing and cursing, she proceeded to reach octaves that would shatter glass, proclaiming I needed a better ilk of friends, because these friends were going to lead me on a pathway straight to... well... you know. She said it right out in the open.
She called poor Kenny's mother -- a timid woman -- and asked what kind of son was she raising, to lead a poor, little girl astray like he did. Needless to say, "The Swear Club" was abandoned. I became the AV Club mascot the next year, because Kenny and his pals wouldn't allow girls into the club as working members.
I completely agree-who decides which words are bad?! ( I feel sorry for them, after all they didn’t do anything wrong, they are “just words.” But when used they can make a bad impression on a good mind) I think my dad won a place in the Guinness World record book for his language skills. As a kid I wanted to be just like my dad-but didn’t want him to know I was competing.
I remember overhearing someone say about some woman…”she talks like a truck driver.” That made an impression. As a stylist in the 80’s+ the back room was a colorful language area, with daily exercise of such emphasis language.
Until I came to the end of myself and allowed the Lord in. Whatever He had for me, I wanted. When it says “new creature in Christ,” “put on the new man,” goodness me!!! It’s true! My brain, connected to my heart has completely changed. My vocabulary is strong…not poor. Thank you for today’s thoughts. 💥‼️
Many years ago there was a song called “Blush” by a female artist, about words that used to make us blush, that are now (regrettably) parts of our everyday language - and “…we’ve forgotten how to blush.” I’ve tried to find that song since, with no luck.
I tend to agree with your mom, that some of these words are used overly much just because it’s “easier” than forming a coherent thought. The Bible is pretty clear on wholesome words too…
I remember hearing your Dad say often, “For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Since many cuss when they’re angry it makes me wonder if those that do it often or regularly have a lot of anger or bitterness in their heart. As a Christian I don’t want to say anything that would falsely represent my Savior. Just my rambling thoughts this morning.
I remember as a junior high student, Jack Ryan, Kevin DeConstanzo, Kenny Settlemeyer, and I talked about our parents' cursing. I think my dad said maybe two colorful words. My mother was the one who could have filled up a "swear jar" in no time flat.
We talked about the hypocrisy that they could say whatever they liked -- but we would have been slapped silly for saying the same words.
So we formed a private "swear club." It was our rule to: 1) include a cuss word in at least one sentence in our conversations amongst ourselves, and 2) all cuss words were okay -- save for the "f-word" and saying God's name in vain.
The Catholic boy in our group insisted upon saving God's name for prayers; we were all fine with that.
The "Swear Club" ended when Kenny wrote in my autograph book at the end of the year, "To one h*** of a girl!" He spelled it out in the open! I told him he should cross it out and write, "heck" -- just in case my mom went through my stuff.
Went through my stuff, she did!
While cussing and cursing, she proceeded to reach octaves that would shatter glass, proclaiming I needed a better ilk of friends, because these friends were going to lead me on a pathway straight to... well... you know. She said it right out in the open.
She called poor Kenny's mother -- a timid woman -- and asked what kind of son was she raising, to lead a poor, little girl astray like he did. Needless to say, "The Swear Club" was abandoned. I became the AV Club mascot the next year, because Kenny and his pals wouldn't allow girls into the club as working members.
Good story!
I completely agree-who decides which words are bad?! ( I feel sorry for them, after all they didn’t do anything wrong, they are “just words.” But when used they can make a bad impression on a good mind) I think my dad won a place in the Guinness World record book for his language skills. As a kid I wanted to be just like my dad-but didn’t want him to know I was competing.
I remember overhearing someone say about some woman…”she talks like a truck driver.” That made an impression. As a stylist in the 80’s+ the back room was a colorful language area, with daily exercise of such emphasis language.
Until I came to the end of myself and allowed the Lord in. Whatever He had for me, I wanted. When it says “new creature in Christ,” “put on the new man,” goodness me!!! It’s true! My brain, connected to my heart has completely changed. My vocabulary is strong…not poor. Thank you for today’s thoughts. 💥‼️
Many years ago there was a song called “Blush” by a female artist, about words that used to make us blush, that are now (regrettably) parts of our everyday language - and “…we’ve forgotten how to blush.” I’ve tried to find that song since, with no luck.
I tend to agree with your mom, that some of these words are used overly much just because it’s “easier” than forming a coherent thought. The Bible is pretty clear on wholesome words too…
Well….damn.
That’s one reason I love you Brian. :)