Isn’t it amazing how we are the only creatures on earth with the gift of language? Yes, I accept that cats and birds and whales and dogs and maybe all animals have a way to communicate. But our language is so complex, so unique, so filled with meaning…and it can be shared so many ways—with our voices, with our hands, with our fingertips. Pretty amazing!
These 2 little letters: R and E, give us some really powerful words.
There’s a common theme in certain words we use when we talk about the way we relate to life: our interactions with each other, our 
interactions with the things of this world, and our interactions with God.
re-
a prefix, occurring originally from Latin, used with the meaning “again” or “again and again”
Now, there are lots and lots of words that begin with ‘re’ (over 4000 if you trust Wikipedia), but a few don’t necessarily have the meaning of ‘again’ attached to the root word like refuge or revel or reward. But hundreds are words of action that give another chance, such as…
Retry
Renew
Restore
Refresh
Rebuild
Refuel
Reborn
Each one of those ‘Re’ words give me a sense of hope. They are comforting words, and at the same time they energize me. When we hear “Let’s give that idea another try” or “I hope to make that friendship new again” and “Let’s start fresh” they have restorative power. These ‘again‘ words are full of possibilities.
I was a very blessed (some would use the word lucky) kid. I never experienced the tremendous pain of hunger, or being without something to wear (although I probably felt that way as a teenager). My parents took care of the family, the home, and our future. Yes, I was very fortunate. But I would have to say that the most valuable experience was living in a home where the “positive words of RE” were experienced all the time.
No grudges, no getting even, no passive aggressive responses to mistakes made. Mom was a master at restoration and renewal. It felt safe.
My heart goes out to those whose life is/was filled with the “negative words of RE“. We were not meant to live this way.
Regret
Renege
Repel
Rebuff
Recoil
Refuse
Reject
It wasn’t until after I left the safety of my parents’ home that I felt the sting and the heartbreak that comes with actions that brought a sense of defeat and sometimes despair. My own actions brought on much of my suffering. Sometimes it came from others, wittingly and unwittingly.
We were not made to stay in such a painful place. Christ didn’t come to our earth to die just so we would stay in a life that brings such pain. He didn’t come for us to experience being refused or rejected or rebuffed over and over again.
He came to give us the words that bring us hope. He came so we can know the beauty of being refreshed and renewed and restored.
Now THAT’s Good News!!
Suzanne
May 17, 2012 at 6:58 am (14 years ago)Hi Kerrie! Glad you stopped by.
Kerrie
May 17, 2012 at 3:47 am (14 years ago)thank u suzanne….