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What is it?

If these past months of COVID-enforced semi-isolation have done anything, they’ve created in me an addiction to crossword puzzles. And, if doing crossword puzzles has reminded me of anything, it’s that words have various functions.
Linda Wegner

If these past months of COVID-enforced semi-isolation have done anything, they’ve created in me an addiction to crossword puzzles. And, if doing crossword puzzles has reminded me of anything, it’s that words have various functions. (I’ve also gained a new understanding of why the English language is considered one of the most challenging in the world.)Noun? Verb? Adjective? All potential uses for one word. Then, there are those not-so-common definitions for words I’d never heard of before. Oxeye, it’s a daisy-like blossom and cyma, the answer that fit in the puzzle I was doing means ogee, “an S-shaped curve formed by the union of a concave line and a convex line.” See what I mean? But those are just a couple of examples.

For all my working life, I used words to create income. As a researcher, writer of feasibility studies, author of two history books, writer of background material for a U.S. company, motivational speaker and more, choosing the right word was not just important, it was vital. Decisions were made, life challenges affected, readership created or discarded or investing influenced, all shaped in part by my words. What a huge responsibility and I felt it!

But what about every day words used in routine telephone conversations, neighbourhood greetings, electronic messaging et al? Here’s how Robin Sharma summed it up: “Words can inspire. And words can destroy. Choose yours well.”

During these months of COVID-induced isolation and daily doses of COVID status, we fluctuate from hanging on to every word to shutting off the news. We’ve even become rightfully leery of what we believe is true and what isn’t.

Thankfully He is utterly trustworthy!

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)