Did you know that Jimney Crickets
Is a “phrase” used to minimize feelings
About using words that can be blasphemous,
Or, at the very least, objectionable?
They are called “minced oaths.”
You misspell or mispronounce words,
Or, at the very least, replace words you might have used
With words that are non-sensical or bland.
As far back as 1803, Jimney Crickets was a euphemism
For calling the Lord’s Name in vain: Jesus Christ.
As I was taught, or at least remember from experience,
Using these words and phrases still makes me feel guilty.
Why? To me, words are stepping stones.
Much like a “gateway drug,” they are the way we start talking
That will grow up and become “adult” type phrases
Where there is no compunction against using something other
Then a “minced oath.”
Ding dang it, a long-time favorite of mine,
Has never grown up to worse words you often hear from adults.
Just as “dadgum” or, as my granddad once surprised me with,
“Mell of a hess!”
A teacher in eighth grade used to spell Hell
As H-E-Double Bubble,
which much be safer than
H-E-Double Toothpicks!
Now, there are more that I never use
Nor am I interested in hearing you say them.
The words they reference are vulgar
Or, at the very least, non-Biblical.
If you ever say in my hearing,
“Pardon my French!”
I’ll be quick to respond.
That doesn’t sound French to me.
One final thought, and you may agree with me.
When stress comes we scrape the bottom of the barrel
And speak with words and phrases we would normally not allow
That’s when the truth depth of our minced oaths show up.
Subtitled, “Marks of a True Christian.”
Romans 12:9-18 NKJV
Let love be without hypocrisy.
Abhor what is evil.
Cling to what is good.
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love,
in honor giving preference to one another;
not lagging in diligence,
fervent in spirit,
serving the Lord;
rejoicing in hope,
patient in tribulation,
continuing steadfastly in prayer;
distributing to the needs of the saints,
given to hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you;
bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice,
and weep with those who weep.
Be of the same mind toward one another.
Do not set your mind on high things,
but associate with the humble.
Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Repay no one evil for evil.
Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
If it is possible,
as much as depends on you,
live peaceably with all men.