It has been a blessing for me, these past nine years, to serve as an online missionary with Global Media Outreach. Carla, a 17-year-old from New York has been writing me for three weeks. She’s had the usual teenage questions about life, love and God. Yet I’ve also noticed her frequent use of the word “crap.”
“Today I feel like crap.” Or, “I don’t like it when the other kids talk crap about me.”
I decided that after three weeks it was time for me to comment: “Dear Carla, Today I want to give you some constructive criticism. I’d like you to try not using the word “crap” because it is crude and unladylike. Instead, you might say, “I’m not feeling myself.” Or, “I’m feeling lousy.” Or, “I don’t like it when other kids say things about me that aren’t true.” If you want to attract degenerate or immoral people, then use curse words and you will.
“I realize ‘crap’ may not be considered cursing by some. But I have a young friend who became engaged to be married. Her fiancé used the word ‘crap’ in my presence. I told him I would appreciate it if he wouldn’t curse around me. He was taken aback and said, ‘I wouldn’t consider ‘crap’ a curse word.'”
“So, what does it mean?”
He became quiet. Then, “I never thought about that.”
“Carla, I have never again heard him repeat it, and they’ve been married over ten years. Nor have I ever heard my own family members talk like that. There is really no need. I’ve come to believe that when people curse it more often indicates they’re not too bright and probably don’t have a very large vocabulary.”
Carla wrote back: “Really? Wow! I never looked at it that way. You have taught me a lot and I appreciate it. Carla”
How I love that girl and pray she’ll make wise decisions with her life.
- The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. Proverbs 12:15
- For more information on Global Media Outreach: http://www.greatcommission2020.com/map
- SONG: I KNOW HIM – Click on story’s title and scroll down to listen:
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[This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/ and http://www.godlife.com/en/about-christianity
