Thoughts from Jenny Glazebrook
Dare I write this post? It could be misunderstood … and held
against me for years to come.
Words are dangerous.
They can set a forest on fire; they have the same power as a
small rudder which changes the path of ships (James 3:3-9).
They can be so positive but they can be equally harmful.
They can be so positive but they can be equally harmful.
Words are powerful and that’s what makes them dangerous.
I believe the written word is even more dangerous. Especially in this day and age, where what is written cannot be wiped away. Technology allows it to be retrieved even when deleted. And when coupled with no knowledge of the writer and no body language to confirm the real meaning or conversation to validate what is meant by the words, misunderstanding is sure to follow.
We’ve seen the impact of Israel Folau’s social media post. Many
believe it shows him to be bigoted and insensitive. Some think he should
have been more careful what he wrote; provided more explanation. Others
believe he was speaking the truth and so has every right to have said what he
did, the way he did. In the end, only God knows whether he was prompted by the
Holy Spirit or made a costly mistake.
We are also seeing politicians in trouble because people
have gone back over their social media posts from ten years ago, taking them
out of context, using them to damage their reputation.
I have personally experienced the use of a Facebook post
against me. Someone being deliberately vague, making accusations, implying I had
motives I certainly didn’t, and not mentioning my name so that those who wanted
to believe it was me, could, and those who didn’t know what or who it was about
would either question themselves or start guessing who could have done what …
and making it fact in their own mind.
See article here:
It got me thinking that the only real way to understand the true meaning of
something written is to speak personally with the author.
As we write for God’s glory, I believe we need to ask Him
for the words; words that can be understood, that He can use, that will be
clear and meaningful to the reader.
To be honest, these times we live in scare me a bit. Now, more than ever, we need to use caution with every word we put out there. One of my books deals with
an issue that, at the time, was socially acceptable to write about. Now it is politically
incorrect. I could see it, in the future, being used
against me to discredit all my writing. So what do I do? I have to trust that at
that time, God was guiding my hand; that He is in control. I don’t want to be
living in fear of the power of my words, but I do want to be cautious,
respectful and seeking God with each word I write.
So yes, my words can be misunderstood, but they could also encourage someone, challenge them in their thinking, bring hope and life and be used by God.
So yes, my words can be misunderstood, but they could also encourage someone, challenge them in their thinking, bring hope and life and be used by God.
I have concluded that we must not live in fear,
but we must live in such close connection with God who knows the future; who
knows all things, that each word we write will be of positive eternal
consequence and bring light into this dark world. We need to trust Him.
May we take courage. May God be our inspiration and guide
our hands in all we write. May we write hope and light and life. May we use the power of words for His glory!
Jenny Glazebrook lives in the
country town of Gundagai with her husband, Rob and 4 children along with many
pets. She is the published author of 7 novels, 1 traditionally published, and 6
self published. She is currently working on her Bateman Family series to be published by Elephant House Press with Book 1 due for release in December, 2019. She writes because words burn within her. She is an experienced
inspirational speaker and loves to encourage others to walk closer with God and
hear His voice each day. Jenny’s website is: www.jennyglazebrook.com
Hi Jenny, what an excellent post. It is so true, and has made me nervous to ponder the implications too. The politically correct climate of our times has become such an issue, yet at the same time, it has never been so easy for normal people to 'have our say' on social media and other instant mediums. This takes an enormous amount of wisdom which eludes us unless we do as you recommend here, which is seek and trust God's guidance. And even then it seems there may be people out there who will misunderstand our motives.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me very sad to see great authors from long ago being dishonoured posthumously in the light of our PC culture's mindset, simply because they lived in a totally different time period. Laura Ingalls Wilder's medals being stripped from her name, and her Little House series being taken off some library shelves because of claims of 'racism' are a prime example.
But as you say, we will write on, trusting God's guidance and His ability to shine a light on our intentions and use them for good.
Paula, I also find it tragic that classics are treated this way. We don't do the same with paintings, sculptures and other art works (although it may soon enough come to that). It strikes me as arrogant to think that all of history was wrong and we've got it right. At the same time, we can learn from mistakes of the past if we are at least allowed to see (read) their viewpoint and discuss where they were coming from and the impact of their worldview.
DeleteJenny I really enjoyed this. I think writers generally make themselves vulnerable - when you write, no matter fact or fiction, you open up your deepest feelings to the world. It feels like opening a vein and letting all that is in you flow out. But as Christians we have that faith that what we do on His Path is used by God for His Glory and we cling to that even as we spill our life blood
ReplyDeleteSo true! It opens us up to hurt and rejection but also allows God to use us just the way we are. Thank you for commenting. I love how you've put this. Would you mind emailing me at jennyglazebrook@gmail.com if you are happy for me to quote you on this at a High School Christian Writers' Retreat I'm speaking at in a couple of weeks?
DeleteThanks for having the courage to write that post, Jenny. It's a fine line to balance sometimes between wanting to stand up for the truth, yet at the same time being sensitive to our hearers (and readers). I guess it comes down to 'speaking the truth in love', not shying away from what God wants us to say, but thinking about how we say it (and when and where).
ReplyDeleteOne problem with social media is that people often respond in the heat of the moment. If it's our own post, we can take it down later, but it's harder if it's a thread within someone else's feed. And as you mention, even if we delete it, it can be retrieved or someone may have already copied and saved it or passed it on.
We all make mistakes too, so part of it also involves admitting when we have been wrong and apologising. And of course praying and seeking God's help and wisdom in the matter.
It's a difficult climate for sure. Thanks for a thought-provoking post, Jenny.
Thanks Nola. You're so right that responding in the heat of the moment is a mistake, but I also love your point that we can apologise. I think that sometimes as Christians we are afraid to admit we are human and yet is our human nature and mistakes that show the world the extent of God's grace. May we have the grace to apologise when we're in the wrong!
DeleteGreat post Jenny. Thank you for having the courage to speak up. Words ARE powerful and have the potential to build or tear down, to bring peace or tear apart to heal or to bring new wounds. More and more God's been speaking to me about my words both written and spoken and more and more have I have realised their power.
ReplyDeleteI love how you ended your post: "I have concluded that we must not live in fear, but we must live in such close connection with God who knows the future; who knows all things, that each word we write will be of positive eternal consequence and bring light into this dark world. We need to trust Him." So true. Love the truths you highlighted - to write words that are of positive eternal consequence as well as words that bring light in this dark world. So true Jenny and very well expressed.
Bless you for the way you constantly use your words to build and bless our world.
Thank you Anusha. I really appreciate your comment.
DeleteGreat thoughts, Jenny. I have to admit I have a lot of thoughts and genuine discussion on some of the explosive topics, but most of the time, I don't dare to put any of it out there. The only time I usually discuss it is if I am with a person and can see them face to face. As you say, then I can judge how they will receive the ideas, and if they are misunderstanding, I can be on the spot to help clarify. I it is tricky times we live in, and we do need to be careful with the words we use.
ReplyDeleteI think its sad that so many valuable voices are silenced because people don't tolerate different viewpoints. But yes, very wise to only express your thoughts face to face. I have one Facebook friend who keeps putting up strong opinions and saying 'Delete me if you disagree.' I disagree with some of them but have never unfriended her because I believe that if we sat down and had a face to face discussion she wouldn't feel the same way.
DeleteJenny, an excellent post and one close to my heart. Artists - whichever medium we chose to use - have a tremendous moral responsibility to those who are influenced by us. We are the spiritual guides of the mind, for better or for worse. And although there will be critics, since all forms of artwork are subjective, I can only hope that my words inspire; that they will work for good.
ReplyDeleteAmen! Love how how you've expressed this. Yes, may our words inspire and work for good.
DeleteWords can lift up. They can also destroy and we need to be careful how we use them. No matter how right we are (or how right we think we are) our message can be destroyed by careless words.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Lynne. May God use our words to lift up!
DeleteWhat a timely and wise post, Jenny. The thing with words is that they can be interpreted differently from a cultural, historical or political perspective. Your example of Israel Folau’s recent troubles is not a simple issue. I guess we can do is go to God and allow him to speak to us before we publish. Our motives and intentions are often pure, but the interpretation of our words can be so different. Lots to ponder. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI have occasionally written a response on social media and before posting have sat and reconsidered how my opinion could be misconstrued and/or held against me and one day come back and 'bite me'. Then I cancel the post and say ... Nothing. It is a sad situation when some people are only too eager to misconstrue and twist other's words. As I have had to say on a particular occasion - "You have taken offence where none was given." Great post Jenny.
ReplyDelete