Weighing your Words

California seems to be the place where trends for the rest of this country get started, and this is seen from movies to fashion and education to politics. Especially politics. In a state, known for clean air and clean water efforts, and where financial woes are paramount, lawmakers in Sacramento need to watch what they say about budgets and other items on the agenda.
The State Assembly passed a resolution on February 25, 2010, that would establish the first week in March as “Cuss Free Week.” If the state’s Senate approves it in time, the measure would take effect immediately, according to an AP story by Robin Hindery. Even though the resolution has no enforcement penalties, the resolution’s author, Anthony Portantino has given each of the California lawmakers a “Cus Jar” so that those who slip are encouraged to deposit money into the jar as penance during this week.
The resolution was inspired by 16-year-old McKay Hatch, a South Pasadena teenager. A no Cussing Club at his junior high school has expanded into similar clubs in every state and 20 countries. Hatch has noticed a link between use of four-letter words and other forms of problem behaviors, and a reduction in cussing comes along with a reduction in problems such as drug use and bullying.
Like Portantino, I can admit to my share of unwarranted words. My earlier social activity seemed to require swearing, as my Lambda Sigma Chi brothers who know me from my Ball State years can attest. I suggest many of the jars which Portantino provided his fellow legislators may be full, since the use of such foul language is hard to stop. A minister is not supposed to swear, at least not in public.
Besides, swearing is taking God’s name in vain. We all get disgusted, and other words can be used to express our frustration besides swear words. Popular movies, television programming, music and other media seem to show, among other vices, that swearing is accepted by the public. But the question is, just because it is popular, is it right? When Moses was on the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments, gold was collected to mold a false idol, and it took many people to do that. There was a penalty for this party, more than putting money into a jar.
If we are secure in our faith, we do not need to hang on to unnecessary crutches such as swear words to show our strength, inside or outside ourselves. McKay Hatch said, “Cussing is a hard habit to break, but anyone can do it.”
Peace be you with always,
Rev. Paul Abernathy
Contact Paul Abernathy at paulabernathy@gmail.com.
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