He said “Mama”!

Just now, did you hear that cry? That’s my precious Little Guy. He’s been blessed with good, strong lungs For a baby still so young. Quiet days have disappeared. Babbling gurgles now I hear. Shrieking, too, seems quite a joy, To this bouncing baby boy. Listen harder, then you’ll hear, He said “Mama,” nice and clear. It’s the first time that I’ve heard. Baby uttered his first word! Ni’ni, gawggie, ball and bye, Baby words, soon set aside. Constant chatter fills the air Echoes of the words I’ve shared. Everything expressed by me Becomes his reality. What he’ll be in days to come Starts with words from my own tongue. Kind, humble, respectful, wise, Playful, funny—all advised. Such words convey character, Noble virtues, to be shared. Harsh or bitter, both destroy. Ridicule will steal his joy. I’ll show him through loving speech Qualities that can’t be breached. Give him strength, empower, too! Time is short, the days are few! Soon he’ll greet a trying world That would see his spirit quelled. Words are vital factors, yes; Proper attitudes, no less. Side by side, they’ll do him fine. Little Guy will surely shine. I once witnessed a rather heart-breaking event. I was in the grocery store, standing next to a cart with a one year old boy occupying the child seat. I smiled and said something meant to extract a smile, but his response just about curled my ears. I was extremely glad he was too young to actually speak, for he began vehemently spouting off the must vulgar stream of babbling, complete with facial expressions and hand gestures,that you can imagine. Even sadder, 10 minutes later when I passed by him a second time, he started up again, and I continued to hear his little voice until I left the store. Sadder still, his Daddy didn't seem to have a problem with it. In fact, he hardly seemed to notice. I can only pray that someone takes the time to show this little one the love he deserves, and to shower him with words that will nurture his hungry heart.

No Suitcase Needed

From Hawaii to the Bahamas; from Florida to Wisconsin; from California to Tennessee, to Georgia and Iowa and Illinois and Michigan and Maryland; I have made a few trips in my life. Some were spontaneous, but others had a specific goal in mind and required extensive preparation. All however, left impressions and created memories because that’s what traveling does. Celebrate with me as I begin a new journey. I won’t be traveling or needing a suitcase for this excursion, though. Instead, I will venture forth from the comfort of my little home office, offering up thoughts or ideas, or maybe even some historical facts. You might occasionally find some photos, a scripture verse or some artwork posted. The approach may change, but the focus will usually be somehow connected to language. Speeches, proverbs, scripture, essays, poetry, song lyrics, conversations-language comes in many forms. Maybe it is the way a word is spoken, or when it is spoken; it could be why it is used that makes it so powerful, but one thing is sure-words have influenced the world repeatedly. In my opinion, that thought is enough to make the subject of language and words a vital issue. My heart tells me it is a subject worthy of much consideration. The spoken word has never come easily to me, but those who know me well will understand that I am an introvert with something to say. I hope my blog-voice is easily heard as I move forward. I invite you to accompany me on this little jaunt, and I hope you find that you have been blessed and encouraged.