Words

I love words and really enjoy learning about their derivations and origins. I like learning new words - not so I can use them - but to extend my knowledge of the language. So here’s a wee early morning test. What is the name of the vertical groove in the middle area of your upper lip? Answers by text to TFTD please. 
I sometimes think of the English language as my personal playground with its vast repository of words – the number of which is estimated at around a million. Despite the number of words available to us, most adults have a working vocabulary of about 25,000.   Surprisingly perhaps almost all of our everyday English conversations can be understood with a working knowledge of under 3,000 words.  Words are not only a means of communication, they are loaded with a depth of meaning, emotion or intent that goes beyond their dictionary definition. Words can change meaning by the way in which they are delivered, the cadence expressed, the emphasis placed upon them and the context in which they are used.
In this place we call home, we are all too aware that the choice of one particular word over another and that the choice of a particular term can change the direction of a conversation for the better or worse. 
All words we use are open to interpretation.  Sometimes what we meant to say, - indeed-we might even be convinced that we did say, - can be heard differently by the person being addressed, depending on the relationship, the tone used, the mood of the moment or the subject under discussion.  Words can be weaponised or used in a way that shows empathy and understanding.  Words can be a gift or a curse, but are something over which we have the ultimate control. What we say cannot be blamed on other people.
Like many of you, I guess, I was shocked as I listened to words exchanged between two serving Presidents, all aired in public for a global audience. Whatever the intention of the individuals, the exchange has been recorded for all time. The words cannot be taken back. This was not a case of mis-speaking as the exchange appeared to be intentionally aggressive.
How much better things might have been, had the imperative to listen eclipsed the need to be heard. The Bible has much to say about how we treat others. We are charged with creating spaces for generosity and grace to thrive, by ensuring we treat others in the way in which we would like to be treated. We are taught to build bridges and not dig trenches. So be careful with your words.
Once spoken they can only be forgiven not forgotten.
By the way the answer to the question on the name of the groove in your upper lip was the Philtrim. Good morning!