I have a degree in linguistics. I'm supposed to know about word meaning. But sometimes I forget what words can sound like to children. Words and phrases which are familiar to me may not be heard the way I expect.
I presented the story of Jesus' calling of the first disciples, the four fishermen.
You probably know the story. It has a very famous line: Jesus says 'come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men'.
I wondered, with the children, how did the men feel?
Confused. Upset. Sad.
Okay, I said. Odd, I thought. Why?
Because they weren't sure how they felt about hunting and killing people.
Oh. Dear. Let me re-tell that story. Right now.
I told the story to a different group later, and amended the crucial line 'Come, follow me, and I will send you out to do my work.'
I wondered with that group, how did the men feel?
Proud. Excited. Happy.
Oh so much better.
That day I learned to be more careful with my word choices. Words can hurt.
