First used in the 12th and 17th centuries, depending on the meaning, and derived from the Middle English and the Dutch, our word for scream has several meanings. The subtle but notable thing, however, is that all the meanings that have to do with the sharp high sound a person makes, as listed in the dictionary, are dependent only on the speaker. Not any listeners.
In other words, a person who screams screams. It doesn’t matter if another person hears them scream or not.
All around the world, there are many children who scream daily but no one near will listen. Sometimes the screams are audible and sometimes they are silent.
And among the millions screaming silently are those who will never cry aloud.
It is sadly that simple.
But they will never cry aloud because adults have said they have no right to try. To speak. To be.
It is simply that horrific.
In the honor and memory of those millions, shortly following a very important anniversary, I weep. May Jesus hear your cries, hold you near, and comfort you when we have not.
Among the multiple meanings of our word peace (which morphed out of the Latin pax and has been in use for at least nine centuries), one stands apart. Several have to do with a sense of civil rest from war or under government control. Another has to do with sound relationships between siblings or other loved ones. But the second meaning listed in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary states, “Freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions.”
There is a broader sense of peace that I have little to no control over. And there is a peace with others that I can only do so much on my own to maintain.
But there is a peace that has nothing to do with the absence of trouble or the choices of others. Instead, it has everything to do with where I find my freedom.
And for me, one who has trusted Jesus for freedom from the first weight of her sin, and one who still seeks to trust Him when daily trials and challenges come (whether in my thoughts or in my feelings), that kind of peace soothes the heart. It is like dwelling for a time in the eye of a hurricane. While all spins fast around, the immediate closest air is still and bright.
My friends, today I would pray for peace on earth and good relationships within our families. But more than that, I would hope for you that this most important peace would be yours and would guard your mind and your heart. Amen.
Today, when we talk about someone who is famous or in the center of public attention, we may say that person is “in the limelight.” But where does this phrase come from? And how can we more deeply understand our fascination with it in our current culture?
According to an article by Elizabeth Nix posted on history.com, in the mid-1820’s, Europeans discovered how to use a substance called calcium oxide or quicklime to create an intense flame-light that could be used for multiple purposes. However, it was not until 1837 that this method of lighting was used to illuminate the players on a theater stage. The actors who were in the limelight were the ones more clearly seen than any extras on the rest of the stage. (That was great for said actors but not so great for the light keepers since quicklime was dangerous to work with. They were extra glad when electric lights became the norm…)
Though we don’t use quicklime when running a theatrical show now, the phrase has stuck with us, with a basic meaning that has not changed in all this time.
We still crave the limelight. Some of us want to be the center of attention all the time. (Others just need to know daily or occasionally that we are noticed in this great big world. And we look to the world for that validation. )
But I posit that what we rightly need is to let the King of the Universe stay in the limelight — the light of glory that belongs to Him — and to be content to live side by side as unique and cherished extras on His stage, basking in the glow of His providence and goodness without trying to crowd His space and hog the adoration of which we are not worthy. Then, we will find confidence and contentment in His quiet, radiating love, and any magnificent moments spent rightly in the brighter rays with Him will bring us more lasting happiness because we know those moments were far more about Him than about us.
That’s the kind of relationship I want to have with such light. And with my Jesus.
It’s a new year with a new theme. Every week of 2021 (usually on Sunday), I plan to post reflections about a single word or phrase. I hope the coming posts might bless you in some way!
According to my Merriam-Webster dictionary app, the word NEW has several different meanings and usages. And it was first used in Old English before the 12th century, with common roots that sprang out of other linguistic bits tied to “young, youthful, fresh, and tender.” I think about the past year and the new year ahead, so that each meaning leaves a different flavor in my mouth… Here are a few of them, briefly illustrated.
“Having recently come into existence.” (Bland.) The year, never lived before, has just been born on the timeline. Therefore, there are moments when I hold my breath, suspended between worry over what sorrows may lie ahead and hope of all the wonderful that might wait on this present horizon.
“Having been used or known for a short time.” (Sweet.) While I enjoy recent holiday gifts just being initially used, I cherish the enjoyment of newer, cleaner, better-working items. And I smile at the tangible reminders of how much others care about me.
“Being other than the former or old.” (Sour.) Starting a new teaching experience at work this week has tempted me to pull my hair out. But even as I sit on my hands with puckered lips, I remind myself that the more unpleasant things we have to eat can often be good for us/others somehow in the end. Likewise, many have claimed 2021 will have to be better than 2020. But, in truth, we have no way to guarantee it will be so. We only have the promise that we can choose what attitude we will maintain in the face of our own daily growth opportunities.
“Having been in a relationship or condition but a short time.” (Salty.) Only six weeks into the marriage world at the dawn of 2021, I am still very new at this “wifey-poo” role. While it is usually a nice adventure, there are moments where the adjustment process leaves me feeling thirsty for better communication skills and deeper insight into my husband’s heart. Good thing we both have a Well of Grace to drink from as we continue to adapt to life together in the year ahead. ❤
“Beginning as the resumption or repetition of a previous act or thing.” (Savory.) Every year is a new year for us, but it is not new for God in the surprising sense. He knows what will happen. And His faithfulness will appear new and fresh, day by day, in the weeks ahead, just like it has in every past year, since time began. That’s a beautiful taste I hope my mouth never forgets — and never stops craving.
