The Oreo Word

There's this word. It's a big word. A good word. It's a word that's both ubiquitous and stealth; over-used and under-used; tangible and intangible; bold and subtle. Given it's diverse impressions and interpretations - one would argue that we're not all on the same page with regard to what the word really means. Why it's used. And what it's all about.

It's an enigma, indeed. (Would that be a wordigma?)

Now, being such an important and worthy word - I thought we could use some remedial schooling on said word - just to make sure that we are all on the same page. So, in the spirit of school spirit (you know the drill: "we got spirit, yes we do, we got spirit - how 'bout you.") - this is a repeat after me chant.

Ready. Get-Set. Go.

Give me an H ("H!"). Give me a U ("U!"). Give me an M ("M!"). Give me an A ("A!). Give me N ("N!"). Give me an I ("I!"). Give me a T ("T!"). Give me an A ("A!"). Give me an R ("R!"). Give me an I ("I!"). Give me an A ("A!"). Give me an N ("N!"). Now what's that spell!!??

HUMANITARIAN!!!

What's that spell!!

HUMANITARIAN!!!

What's that mean??

Well, think of it like an Oreo cookie, with the top of the cookie being compassion, the bottom of the cookie being fellowship, and the creamy filling made up of kindness, humility, mindfulness, courtesy, empathy, attentiveness, active listening, others-oriented, passion, spirituality, giving and integrity. Even better - partner it up with an ice cold glass of milk (lets call this a metaphor for friends and family) - and you've got a tasty treat.

Word!

Humanitarian is Good.

Bahumbug the Bahumbugers

Admittedly, I'm not a big fan of starting Christmas activity until after Thanksgiving - and even then, think its best to wait until December. Be that as it may, our family went and saw the new Jim Carrey Christmas Carol today. (Let's chalk that one up to a big case of cabin fever, and a lack of other movie options for parents and kids alike.)

That said - I'm glad I went. And here's why.

Simply put, it reinforces the fact that being a bad-tempered, mean-spirited, soul-less secular jerk - devoid of faith in God, let alone good manners, compassion and purpose - is not only sad, its bad. And to Disney's credit (and my own dismay), this latest animated movie does an exceptional job of making the sad and bad aspects, quite graphic.

You know what though - given Scrooge's dire situation - I'm all for the "in-your-face/tell-it-like-it-is" messaging - just like Scrooge was, if you think about. You see, thanks to some intense shock therapy, Scrooge learns to change his knucklehead, nobody-likes-me-and-I-don't-like-nobody secular ways - and thankfully for him, before it was too late. (Unlike his ol' buddy, Marley.)

In Scrooge's case, I think the means justifies the ends. Although that way of thinking, doesn't always work, does it? In fact, sometimes, that strategy gets us into trouble.

Granted, Scrooge was an extreme case of bad behavior. That said, I've known a few runner-ups in my time, especially as it relates to the meanness and greed part (let alone ugly). And I'm sure we all can think of one or two people who sadly, and badly, share character traits of Scrooge.

But hey, be happy that you aren't one (at least I hope not). And two, take comfort in the fact that even they, like Scrooge, can change for the better. And hopefully, before its too late.

So bahumbug the bahumburgers. Better yet, just like Bob Cratchet and Scrooges nephew - let's wish them well, and hope that they change their ways. After all, Santa's looking in the window (well, maybe after Thanksgiving) - and he doesn't like naughty, he likes nice.

More important - God likes nice. And He's the ultimate judge.

Bahumbergers are Bad.

Wishing the Bahumburgers Well is Good.