Atonement

Over the weekend I saw the movie Atonement. It was good on many levels, but what struck me the most was the chain of events set off by the careless use of words - one word in particular. I won't repeat the word -it may be my least favorite word in the English language.

The protagonist, Robbie, would never have used it purposely to communicate his feelings and desires. Robbie was, in fact, struggling to express himself when he composed a note in jest - expressing in vulgar language his desires. Rather than tearing it up immediately he set it down by the typewriter as he wrote the words he really wanted his love interest to read. Unfortunately, he picked up the wrong letter on his way out.

Not only did Celia (the love interest) read the vulgar note, but so did her younger sister Briony. Robbie's careless words led to his arrest for rape, conscription in the army, and death.

The movie makes me wonder how the trajectory of my life has been altered - for good and bad - as a result of words. The careful use of words builds bridges, expresses love and concern, brings in the Kingdom. God used words to create the universe. The careless use of words wounds, destroys, creates barriers - as the Apostle Paul would say, "the dividing walls of hostility."

Atonement made me think about words. I pray that God will give me the grace to use my words for building up and not tearing down (unless I'm tearing down the dividing walls of hostility). If you're reading this, I pray that He'll give you the same grace.