People say it everyday. For many different reasons. One could be in a good mood, one could say it meaning "thank you", or someone could be saying it simply because someone sneezed. Yes if you haven't figured it out yet, I'm talking about the phrase, "God Bless You." It has become such a common courtesy of our world to say those words. So common that I take issue with the meaning behind those words from some people. All too often those words are used to mask malice or anger. An example of this happened to me during the Christmas season. A middle aged woman came up to our car after we left out of a Marshalls after Christmas shopping for some last minute items. She told us her story about how she had been living out of her car with her kids for the last few days and asked if we could spare a few dollars for her and her kids to eat lunch. While I had no reason to believe the lady was lying,we still couldn't afford to spare her a few dollars, we were struggling as it was to get things ready for Christmas. So unfortunately we had to tell her no. She looked disappointed and let out a "God Bless You anyway." Well suffice it to say I didn't feel very blessed by those words. Her heart wasn't in them. Her mouth spoke words that she didn't actually mean. There are better examples of malice behind those words, this is just one that is all too common. It happens when someone doesn't get their way. When they wish to make whomever they said the words to feel guilt or shame. As if throwing God into the mix will shame you for not acting more Christ-like. I will admit, in this case if her intent was to shame me, it worked. I found myself wishing that I had given her something to help her out, but we really couldn't afford to.
All too often people use the phrase God Bless you in a negative way. People use it so nonchalantly not even realizing what they are saying.
Those three words hold so much power. Those words are like prayer to God individualized for one person. God Bless You. I challenge anyone who reads this to say those words as if they are magic, like 'abra cadabra,' because in a strange kind of way they are majestic. They are privileged words that should not be taken as lightly as we take them. When you say those words mean those words. Say them in situations where your intent really is to ask God to bless someone. That phrase connects our souls and shows compassion of a far greater kind than any thank you in any language in the world. God Bless You is one of the most tender beautiful phrases you can say to another person, likened to I love you. Those words have power beyond our understanding. They are what places God between two individuals and unites them in a point in time. God Bless You means more than what people have turned it into and I'm here to reclaim it's artful, majestic, powerful, holiness. Those three words coupled together deserve better treatment and intent out of the mouths from which they come.
Find Peace and Be Blessed,
Kitty
