"Aggressive Acts of Kindness", I'd titled my last post--a term I'd recently stumbled upon. From the time I encountered it, it seemed incongruous somehow--aggressive and kindness in the same phrase. When I looked up the definition of aggressive, I understood why.
1. characterized by or tending
toward unprovoked offensives, attacks, invasions, or the like; militantly
forward or menacing: aggressive acts against a neighboring country.
2. making an all-out effort to win
or succeed; competitive: an aggressive basketball player.
3. vigorously energetic, especially
in the use of initiative and forcefulness: an aggressive salesperson.
4. boldly assertive and forward;
pushy: an aggressive driver.
5. emphasizing maximum growth and
capital gains over quality, security, and income: an aggressive mutual fund.
Numbers 1 and 4 seemed to particularly clash with my concept of kindness. ONE WORD colored my perception.
Then, while riding with my husband a couple of days ago, I read a billboard proclaiming, "This farmland to be confiscated by Mayor Brooks Fetters". Once again I was reminded of the power of ONE WORD! Confiscated cast a strong and clear negative reaction to a decision.
Words DO have power! I'm reminded to be selective and careful in using them.
And GOD'S WORD is powerful! May it always be the ONE WORD that colors my perception!
For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword,
penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and
marrow.
It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
This is so true! I have been trying to add another blog and can't figure it out.
ReplyDeleteHi Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteI have seen that too, and thought somehow it didn't quite fit, I think intentional acts of Kindness might be what they really meant...........or certainly would fit better.......
and yes, words do have power and conjure up word pics in our minds or negative or postive thoughts.
and thankfully God's word is all powerful and He always has the last word..............lol
Hope you and hubby are feeling more like your old selves by now.
Blessings, Nellie
Indeed, intentional acts of kindness is the term I use! There should never be anything random about kindness, it should always be intentional. Spontaneous, perhaps, but intentional.
ReplyDeleteI always, always spoke to inmates about the power of words. Surely they must have understood, especially when a judge pronounces "guilty" and then cracks the gavel.
It is so good to read your words Rebecca. They are coming with more frequency which speaks to me of your healing.
I agree about "random" and "intentional"! (I also wonder how much our experience or exposure taints/affects the way a word "hits" us....)
DeleteYes, I am healing. Some days I believe there just may be "life" on the other side of hip - and heart - surgeries.
I think those of us who are writers do need to be careful of our words. Sometimes it seems they blend with each other and the only way to make them stand out and speak to others is to throw a jarring word in there. My husband reads my blogs before I post them and sometimes he points out a word and suggests I rethink what I am saying. Maybe aggressive kindness is more in the approach than in the kindness. I think I prefer intentional, too.
ReplyDeleteI stand in awe of the communication process, don't you? Our tools (words) are layered with individual perceptions and assumptions. What a great idea - having your husband proofread your blogs!
DeleteI assume"aggressive" was selected to include intentionality as well as action, DELIBERATE kindness. Strong and determined.
Your words remind me of our Pastor's message this morning. He, too, talked about "THE WORD", while holding up his BIBLE! Thank you, sweet Lady, for yet another reminder to ALWAYS turn to HIS WORD!!! HOPE all is improving in your neck of the woods!!!
ReplyDeleteFunny you should say "neck"! I really have s stiff one! Otherwise,things ARE improving :)
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