It seems like people are stuck on using a certain phrase in their moments of surprise.
I’m not sure how we have lived all of our lives without using these words that are now so popular. I can’t go a day without hearing someone say, “Oh my G_ _!” One would think that these words are the only choice a person has to say when caught unaware by a surprise encounter.
This saying has seemingly been picked up by almost everyone. I know, I know…people consider this loose language just to be an expression. Television programs are lavish with this jargon. I’m sure you have noticed it just as I have. As we hear these words, our brains record them, and we respond like parrots when a surprise comes our way. I’m wondering if certain phrases aren’t said with the intention that the public will pick up on them and repeat them.
I find the phrase “Oh my G_ _!” to be insulting to a Holy God. As far as I can tell, the G _ _! is not expressed with a small “g” and does not speak of any insignificant god. No, the phrase intentionally refers to the One known as God. This quote says, “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name” (Exodus 20:17, NIV). You may be saying, C’mon, give a little leeway, and I would if this wording didn’t leave the impression that it does. To the unsaved world, it doesn’t matter how they use His name. But why should we use God’s name lightly?
Instead, let’s campaign together to rephrase this expression. We can choose our own original expressions when times of surprise come our way. Let’s be ingenious and not puppets. Here are a few phrases I’m going to use:
I’m overwhelmed. – Fantastic! – Wow! Oh, Wow! – Awesome. – Super! – Amazing! – Yeah, yeah, yeah! – Oh-h-h-h Wow! – How awesome! – Super amazing! –Stupendous! – Wonderful! – Cool! – I’m astonished! – You rang the bell this time! –Super-duper! – This is simply amazing! – You take my breath away.
Tell your friends about this campaign. Get your heads together and come up with ideas for phrases you could say. Then use them often so others can hear you speak positive expressions and pick up what you say. Encourage others to change their use of “Oh, my G_ _” to more positive words as well. I need your help. To campaign with me, share this article wherever you can and in whatever way possible.
We don’t want to offend God, our Maker. Rather, we want to please Him. We want friends, family, and others to reap the benefits of His blessings by doing the right thing.
(Let me know some phrases that you, or your friends, have decided to use.)
Florence Simmons, author and speaker, http://www.common-sensewisdom.com Contact Florence at write4hym@hotmail.com
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