When We Take God's Name in Vain
Every God...
What does it mean “to take God’s name in vain”? Apparently, not everybody knows the answer. However, “don’t take God’s name in vain” is a common reprimand. Respect God and God’s name.
I am not disrespectful, but I am not religious. I don’t believe in God.
My interest in “taking God’s name” is purely 
It is a label, a concept, a brand. But not a name. In different languages, the word “God” sounds differently for this particular reason. We translate words, but not names.
If God hears everything, including thoughts, he knows everything, including intents, understands everything, including content and context, then I am in no danger. Because I never mean any harm. God knows that I am not disrespectful. God knows my quest for knowledge is to be encouraged, not to be condemned. God knows.
I am speaking on God’s behalf. “You are not allowed”, you would tell me. “Neither are you.” But you think you know the rules. Who told you? God? Right.
Admit it, we don’t know. We were told. We respect God, but we decided to abandon old beliefs. There were other Gods/gods before. Does it mean we lost respect for the dead/fallen, fallen out of favour? Oh, yes. Not only, we don’t remember them all.
Seeing and Believing
- Seeing and Believing - The New Yorker
This casualness carries over to conversations with God. The Vineyarders asked him “for admission to specific colleges, for the healing of specific illness—even, it is true, for red convertible cars.” Some women had a regular “date night” with Jesus.
Perun visited Toronto today, it was such a thunderstorm!
“In Slavic mythology, Perun (Cyrillic: Перун) is the highest god of the pantheon and the god of thunder and lightning. His other attributes were the fire, mountains, the oak, iris, eagle, firmament (in Indo-European languages this was joined with the notion of the sky of stone), horses and carts, weapons (the hammer, axe (Axe of Perun) and arrow) and war. He was first associated with weapons made of stone and later with those of metal.
Like Germanic Thor, Perun is described as a rugged man with a copper beard. He rides in a chariot pulled by a goat buck and carries a mighty axe, or sometimes a hammer. The axe is hurled at evil people and spirits and will always return to his hand.”
El – el – el – el – el …
I don’t know everything and neither do you. Do you realize that old times still echo in our language?
El – el – el – el – el …
Huh?
I am not singing, I am not tripping. I am saying God – god – god – god – god …
Is it really so bad to say “Good Lord!”, “Oh, my God”, “God dammit”, “Jesus Christ!”? I don’t know. To me, it is only an exclamation that has nothing to do with God; it is something – a linguistic atavism. I grew up in an atheistic country, but similar expressions were used fairly widely. “God!”
Even my son picked it up somewhere, but not only he says “God!”, but the person he imitates apparently says it with such exaggeration “Goooooooood!” that I jump up every time I hear it. You will have no trouble figuring out his displeasure. No, you don’t need to know the word. Does he understand what he is saying? He has no clue. It is very pervasive, he cannot get rid of it, not that he is trying. Maybe he is more attached to the power of the expression than to the word itself. But God knows what is what.
You would say, we are not seven-year-olds, we are adults, we know what we say. I would not be so sure.
How many times do you say “God”? Don’t try counting. It’s impossible.
Every time I say “God” … In Russian, the phonetic combination “god” means “year”. Now imagine how many times the word gets thrown around – “every “god”…
What exactly are you saying?
I wonder how God perceives names. He does not have a problem with translation. He understands everything in every language. But it might get quite noisy hearing same words meaning different things.
Let’s look at those names that contain the word “el” – God. Which God? I don’t know. It’s not specified. But I know that you are not disrespectful. Unaware, maybe, but not disrespectful.
What exactly are you saying?
Name: Daniel – translate and use its original meaning – “My Judge is God”.
Name: Emmanuel– translate and use its original meaning – “With Us is God”.
Name: Gabriel– translate and use its original meaning – “My Might is God”.
Name: Ariel– translate and use its original meaning – “Lion of God”.
Name: Nathaniel– translate and use its original meaning – “Gift of God”.
Name: Michael– translate and use its original meaning – “Who resembles God?”
All I am asking you to do – substitute. Just play along.
- “Who resembles God?” did you brush your teeth today?
- Not yet. I don’t want to and I am not going to.
- Go to bed, or there will be no TV the whole day tomorrow.
- Who are you going to see tomorrow, “My Judge is God”?
- “Lion of God”?
- I am not quite sure you can, I talked to his mother and he has piano lessons.
- You know, darling, this boy “The Gift of God” is such a terrible influence on our “With us is God”. Maybe it is time to stop the relationship with that family.
Do you get my point? It’s absurd!!!
Translate your names and go around with the translation. How does it feel?
I know what you would tell me – it is ridiculous. Wait…
There are names that you understand and I doubt you would tell me it is ridiculous.
Christian, Christopher, Christos, Jesus.
- I’m Christian.
Does it not sound the same? How can we go and throw around the word “Christ” so often without even realizing t it?
Because it became a habit. Just like with other expressions that contain the word God.
Never mind. My son “Whose Judge is God” was told “You are not a Christian”. He is not.
I told him – respond “No, I am not Christian, I am Daniel, I am “My Judge is God” and, please, leave it up to God to judge me.
Poor boy has difficult time at school. And even though I told him the meaning of his name, I thought it would go above his head. But no, he remembered. I guess it bothered him enough to be called “not a Christian”. Is everybody supposed to be a Christian?
What does it mean to tolerate beliefs of others? To accept that all Gods that are being believed in exist? To respect all Gods and not throw their names around like soccer balls?
I respect your beliefs. I respect all Gods. The only thing I don’t want to is to be told what to believe in and be reprimanded for making my own choices. My choice is to question. Questioning is not disrespect. Neither is thinking. Our minds are made for thinking.
Yet, I would have made a different choice for my son’s name. Why did I choose a name that contains two words that I don’t like “God” and “judge”? That is a separate story. Daniel’s story. Maybe it was providence. I don’t deny that God exists, I doubt that people are knowledgeable of who he/she/they … You get my point.
Like everybody I have my preferences. I don’t like name Christian. To me, it lacks imagination. Nobody goes around saying “My name is Muslim”. Maybe I am ill-informed. I am. I was.
I remembered that there was a singer Muslim Magomaev – very talented. His name was pronounced “Mou’slim”. Words migrate from one language to another, transform, emphasis is changed, spelling is changed, and sometimes it is really hard to see interconnectedness of everything.
So, there you go: Christian, Muslim. Why not Buddha? There are Dianas and Aphrodites and Venuses.
Sometimes, when you least expect…
- What is your name?
- Alla.
- Don’t you dare! Your name cannot be Allah.
- Yes, my name is Alla.
It is a Russian (?) name for girls that is probably originates from Greek “other”. I don’t know. It’s not my favourite, but it is a name. But God knows what it means and he knows that by naming girls Allas we don’t mean to offend anyone, least of all, God.
Russian Prima Donna
Alla Pugacheva was a prima donna of the Soviet pop culture. She was rather a scandalous figure, talented, but odious. The song that I included has nothing to do with God/gods and theophoric names. I am showing that there are people under the name of Alla. She sings a Russian version of the very famous song “La Paloma”.
The clip was changed to the song itself (not the girl singing karaoke)
She is such and such and such...
The second clip, you don’t have to watch, but it is an eight-year old girl sings Alla Pugacheva’s song about a wife left by her husband for another woman. The abandoned wife devotes most of her energy to say how bad the other woman is and how good she is herself and how could he leave for that baby with a soul of a cat (In Russian to call a woman a cat is not very flattering). It is vulgar and funny at the same time, but to see a girl singing it, it is simply hilarious. For me, or for those who understand Russian. I hope that maybe with time there will be at least a few readers who understand both Russian and English.
Theophoric Names
No, I haven’t lost my mind. Coming back to the names. It is very simple. Parents want the best for their children. When names were created the best concepts were used and there was no better or divine concept than God. Names that contain word God or names of Gods are called theophoric. Every time the name is called, it gets God’s attention “Don’t forget to protect the bearer of your name.” “In God we trust”, yes indeed, but we’d better call Him more often lest He forgets.
So, that is precisely what you are doing even if you don’t realize it.
- God! God! God! God! God!
- How dare you taking God’s name in vain!
- I? What did I do? It was not my idea.
You know what is a good idea? Check out what your name means. Or the names of your loved ones. Because theophoric names just like other names were created with love, given with love and they echo love from all those generations. It was not disrespect.
Maybe all those people who choose theophoric names for their children cheat by trying to be first in line and getting God’s attention. Which God? I don’t know.
Daniel, my son. Were you given to me by God or did I give you to the world?
I don’t know. The only thing I know is that I LOVE you.
Did I cheat by naming you Daniel just like others?
I don't know. But God knows I had a different name in mind.
Do I call God every time I say your name?
I don’t know. I hope it is not all in vain.
But only God can judge.
- Theophoric name - Wikipedia
A theophoric name embeds the name of a god, both invoking and displaying the protection of that deity. Some names of theophoric origin remain common today, such as Theodore.
© 2011 kallini2010
Comments
I so agree you can not take God's name in vain based on the title God , because there are many god's. Which God would be the subject of vain conduct.
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Ian. You are always so generous with your compliments.
I wish you could come to our comedy show.
I'm afraid it also lacks a plot, but it has plenty of humour (mostly homemade).
"The absolute diamond" is performing.
I am really surprised that you even go to see these films. Spiderman (whatever the number and, especially, the number next) is not a plot movie, it's an action film. A plot would have distracted you from all that action. I cannot stand action films because most of them are unbearably boring for my poorly developed taste.
I saw a "Noah" trailer and had no opinion, but I trust yours. I will spare myself the torture.
My question is "Why does the film industry spend so much money on this senseless rubbish?"
The budget of an action film could feed a small African country for a year.
Or maybe it could be used for cleaning our planet from our plot-less but damaging existence.
I remember (for some reason) how Russian film critics wrote an article "French Cinema: Senseless and Merciless".
But I believe it is the Russian critics who were senseless and merciless.
There is a BBC film that I enjoyed immensely "How Art Made the World". You can watch it online or rent it from the library.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eGRoSjp3Ik
Of course, after having watched it, I should stop asking stupid questions like "What's the point?"
I don't go to movies for a couple of reasons. It's expensive and I don't like popcorn fumes.
Also when I rent (free) from the library, I can stop at any minute. Rubbish? The end.
The latest films that I saw and loved:
1) The Butcher Boy (1998); it's available online
2) Bad Education (Pedro Almodovar), also available online.
Take care and I hope no senseless movies are heading your way!
P.S. Speaking of rubbish, senseless and merciless:
Today's article of the day (HP) is
https://dragonflycolor.hubpages.com/hub/5-Words-Th...
You can't imagine how tempted I feel to leave one of my comments.
But I'd better refrain from sharing my wisdom.
What is the point?
The movie ('Spiderman Some-Number-or-other') was somewhat entertaining inasmuch as there was a lot of movement and carnage and buildings and cars flying in all directions, but what it was lacking, I'm afraid, was a plot.
However, it was much, much better than 'Noah' which I saw a couple of days ago. That was possibly the most cringe worthy, embarrassing, pile of garbage I have seen in my long and vaguely interesting life.
I should have stayed at home and read your comment above, Svetlana. That was much more interesting, intelligent and entertaining; I am still smiling at "I used to make my own sense, but now I have to buy it at the store. It's cheap, but has poor taste."
Thank you. You are an absolute diamond.
- AUTHOR
I like your comments, you have a unique style and you always make me laugh!
And, no, Ian, I am not looking, for sense. Sense is being overdone.
“the evolution of sense, in a sense, is the evolution of non sense”
― Vladimir Nabokov
I believe that people who make the most sense understand the least.
I used to make my own sense, but now I have to buy it at the store. It's cheap, but has poor taste.
Enjoy the movie!
Svetlana, I have just seen this comment, and as I am about to trail off to the cinema, I'll answer in more depth later. I promise not to make any more sense than now, but you wouldn't expect me to, would you?
Fondest regards,
Ian
- AUTHOR
Dear Ian, isn't is a splendid surprise?
I am very glad to see you here. Again. God seems to be very generous with his gifts.
Indeed we spoke last time (I believe) about "memory business (as in loss)" in some dusty pub furnished carelessly with antique furniture.
We were feeding on tequila and spinach soup.
And I think after having too much of both you ended up casting Nellieanna and me for "Il Trovatore". I forgot to mention then that I was ill-suited for opera, my voice being not dissimilar to a double negative.
Muslim (the name pronounced as "Moo 'sleem") Magomaev was an opera singer, but not only, he performed in different genres of music (if I can say "genre of music"? Of course, I can say it, it does not have to be correct. When was the last time I made any sense?)
I said a joke to a doctor assuming that he would understand it, but he looked at me as if I had said something obscene.
Maybe the joke was not funny, but if he showed me a glimpse of term recognition I would not be so cortical.
All it was:
- How are you today? (in a cheerfully patronizing tone of voice)
- I am experiencing severe cortical inhibition.
Then came the evil eye.
[Suggestion: Opera "Fatal Brain Malfunctioning & Treason"].
In that opera, my voice would fit the bill. If my cortical inhibition would lift, that is.
*****************************************
The song "Marechiare" is just a song, a classic Neapolitan song.
It was sung by Mario Lanza, Andrea Bocelli, three great tenors... Every time it is a different performance. But, of course.
This the song with lyrics both in Italian and English
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR2W6dyYARY
but if you don't want to open the link, just google "Marechiare" and you'll get one hundred people singing it.
I don't come often here, but I keep thinking of you. Maybe my memory is not very reliable, but when I think of you, it is always such a good story.
Coffee, conversations, subtle irony and? maybe opera.
Take care, Ian.
P.S. And yes, for an opera, we need libretto.
How nice to be brought back to this hub because someone else did.
The song that your Muslim sang reminds me so much of an aria from a Zarzuela Opera. Maybe it is. It would be pleasant to find out if I am correct.
Note: Zarzuela operas originated from those played and written for the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid.
"Zarzuela Palace is the de-facto residence of King Juan Carlos of Spain and Queen Sofia and their family. The palace is on the outskirts of Madrid, near the Royal Palace of El Pardo.
Hello, Svetlana; it's a long time since we "spoke".
Fondest regards,
Ian
- AUTHOR
"Oh, my Martie!"
What a pleasant surprise! I don't expect any comments on my hubs and that is why I did not notice yours for a while. Even if there is a comment, it is from someone "It's a nice hub!" type of "reader".
I agree with you that God has become a household word/name and anything "household" loses its value and maybe respect. When we stop noticing what we are saying...
Maybe what happens it is not contempt, but unawareness. It's somewhere in the back of our minds, in the subconscious, and unless we drag it out to be examined in the bright(?) light of our conscious thought, we use it automatically/meaninglessly.
For example, "God knows" only means "nobody knows", that is all. Well, you know the drill.
What is interesting about this particular article is that I started out being interested in names (for various reasons), but specifically not because I was interested in "using God's name in vain". Anything, but.
However, I changed my opinion about God's existence in the past three years. I believe that God exists, but not in a human form. I don't believe "the God's story" of any religion, existent or past.
To me, God is an experience and if you ever have it, there is no other word you can put to it. Not to scare you with my description of how my "religious" experience happened, I can tell you that science came to the conclusion that religious experience is real. It feels like you lose the feeling of time, space and perceiving yourself as a separate entity from the universe. When all of this perception dissolves, you get to the point of bliss. Funny enough, one can achieve it by dancing (but I wasn't the lucky one).
It cannot have any name, but God.
But words are just words. Thank God for having a language, for the invention of writing and humanity's love for stories.
However flawed our communication is, without it we would not have made it.
I would not be able to talk to you in English, my 2nd (which came after my 3rd) foreign language. I don't know anything about "very impressive profiles", I don't tend to think about myself in these terms, but I know that my English is fading and that worries me a lot.
Yesterday I met a lady who spoke only German and to my utmost embarrassment I couldn't remember anything except for
"Ich habe alles vergessen" (I forgot everything).
Unbelievable!
I am very happy to see you again, "Oh, my Martie", in my tiny corner of the universe.
Thank God for your existence!
Hi, Kallini, I've scanned your very impressive profile and decided to read this one - I don't know why I have missed it.
My thoughts: By giving anything a name, we minimize its being to fit into our limited pattern of thoughts. The Power that keeps this universe intact is beyond human comprehension. Having the utmost respect for it actually stands to reason. Holding it in contempt is ridiculous.
People play with the word 'God' as if it is something they can handle, like a tool. Using the word not as a name to be used when you talk to or about the bearer of it, is according to my humble opinion but only a sign of a poor vocabulary.
Apart from prayers/praying, I honestly don't like to hear or say 'OMG', or any other phrase containing the name/word God.
IF GOD is anything like a human, I can imagine how disgusted he must be, hearing his name taking in vain. I would climb the walls if I have to hear "Oh, my Martie', or 'Martie' in every second sentence spoken by every Dick, Tom and Harry.
Have a good day, Svetlana!
OK, your IVAN is my JOHN...
One family branch must have all names start with 'J's... Now wtf...?
you have me thinking... I will strive to never be predictable where you are concerned!
Hugs, Teresa
- AUTHOR
Dear Teresa, I hope you do get this big book off the shelf and maybe together we might change the tide in people's thinking about names and, honestly, maybe sometimes we might make them wonder why they are so conservative and intolerant when it comes to names?
Do we want more variety or less of it? Does everything has to be the same?
Does every man in the family has to be called "Ivan"? That was my neighbor's family. Not enough names or the total lack of imagination?
Questions, questions, questions.
Thank you, again, and I do hope that both of us dedicate some time and some effort to writing about names creatively, not just
"Top ten ...."
Dear Svetlana,
I can feel your mind thinking all over your words. I enjoy thinking, questioning and smiling with you as I read. I have a book as big as a tome and it has a name a page... breaking down meanings and all kinds of interesting info. You are enticing me to get it off the shelf...
Your style is readable and my cup of tea. Voted UP and UABI (it is beautiful to question everything...) Hugs, Teresa
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Writeronline, for your kind words, they are not only kind, but also overwhelming.
You are welcome to join the family, there are no special requirements, just the willingness to suffer through reading.
I feel that reading my work for most people is "Punishment" without a crime. I create long articles and who has the patience? Only a few select ones. That is why my readership is limited to the best readers HP has to offer. If you are willing to read, welcome on board...
Maybe, you are right, I would have or could have? written better in Russian, but I took writing courses here in Canada in English. It was hell, I have to admit, but I am glad that I have the luxury of speaking two languages. None of them are perfect, but I agree with you - communication is not about perfection. It is about getting the message across.
Feel free to read whatever you want, whatever interests you. When I suggested two articles to you, I thought later that I don't know what to recommend exactly. So, no recommendations.
Speaking of families: I don't know if you are acquainted with A.A. Zavala, but I just finished an article dedicated to him. I am not even quite sure if I can call it an article, but it will give you an idea why I called my readers a family.
P.S. It's called: "From YYZ to AAZ"
kallini,
"My regular readers are like HP family."
Just since yesterday, your HP family has grown by one. Well, OK, still knocking on the door, hoping to be taken in, but I'm definitely hanging around to try and make sure that happens.
"Not to be a pedant, check out the feedback for this hub: Zero in the "Awesomeness" as well in all the other categories."
Check again, sunshine. That's my fault for being so carried away with the AWESOMENESS of your work, that I forgot to rate it! I've just fixed that,(check your buttons) but, think about how many others may have read you, been equally blown away, and in that state of awe, made the same mistake of forgetting to rate you. Seriously.
"I on the other hand have no identity whatsoever. To call myself a writer..."
Your HP identity is all about your EXCELLENCE as a writer. That's the identity that every Hubber craves. But, very few others (that I've read) have anything like your eloquence and (seemingly, I know it's a skill)easy way with words.
You write at a level that leaves most of us in the shade.
There's a lyrical subtlety and beauty in what you write, a depth of feeling and emotion; and a powerful symmetry of thought and expression. 'Engaging' isn't a strong enough compliment by any means, but I can't think of a better word, sorry.
If HP was about rewarding first class writers, rather than those contributors whose lowest common denominator work 'pandas' best to Google, your work would qualify you to be at the top of the class. You're at the top of mine.
For me, the fact that English is not your native language makes your skill at communicating (not just writing; communicating), in English even more breathtaking. Unlike you, English is the only language I know. If you were writing, even at the most elementary level, in Russian, I'd be lost.
You're an inspiration, kallini. Thankyou.
With all my imperfections, I must be ultra adorable.
- AUTHOR
Nonsense. It is our imperfections that make us adorable.
Talking of buttons... I am going to have to learn not to use the ; when I mean the ' .
I cannot believe how many times I write "I;m wonderful," when we all know that I should have written "I'm crap".
- AUTHOR
Ian & Mike:
there are a few, but none of them are pressed so far. Despite all 50 followers of this hub.
Beats me.
I agree the buttons are inadequate. Where is Zenith? Where is enlightening? Where is OMG? You guys are having a lot of fun today.
There aren't enough buttons to click. I can't think of any suggestions, but I'll have to cogitate.
- AUTHOR
Ian, you know that I did not mean my regular audience. Five or seven at best readers? My regular readers are like HP family.
Not to be a pedant, check out the feedback for this hub: Zero in the "Awesomeness" as well in all the other categories.
And now compare the feedback I get with yours. Numbers - you cannot argue with them. I usually rate up articles I like and click on "interesting/useful/blah..."
Very little interest, Svetlana? Or not a volume of interest from those who skim and then click AWESOME?
Anybody reading you will know, as WOL has discovered, that you are a writer, and an exceptional one.
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Writeronline! It is a very high praise indeed.
I don't know whether I am such a fabulous writer, but I want to write, yet I have trouble doing so. I checked out your profile - your sense of humour did not go unnoticed - and I realized you are a writer. I am on the other hand have no identity whatsoever. To call myself a writer... I am not a zookeeper either. Hence my profile. Only I would shorten the quote now: "We have no identity..."
As for the names - I love names and these series were supposed to go on, but it turned out to be the section that sparked very little interest.
I don't know whether I will continue writing or not and when. But if I have enough time and motivation, then, of course, I will write more on the topic.
I was surprised to know that Mexicans have names like Israel and Ezekiel - maybe it came with the Bible - and I was not allowed to name my son with an old Russian name. Oh, well, Daniel it is.
Wow, what a fabulous writer you are! I was on my way to your 'man of my dreams' piece, but paused to look into this one. So glad I did. Beautifully constructed, and beautifully expressed (imho).
Probably because of what we've been discussing at Twilight Lawns' hub, the line that stopped me here was:
"Do I call God every time I say your name?"
To which I'd have to say, I think that would depend on the action, or the object, or both... (smile)
Love your work.
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Erin. What a pleasant surprise.
I saw Nellieanna's comment on your "birthday" hub and I thought how strange. I forgot about it, too. But it took me again back to thinking about the ups and downs - the exhausting "El Ritmo de Amor ... la vida" -- earlier this week I published a sparkling funny hub and today I am crying. I had a conversation with my friend who is Catholic - he does not approve my "universe" theories. I told him: "You ask your God, then, why do I have to go through this?" There will be no answer...
Take care, Erin.
What an interesting journey, my friend! Of course, I agree with your theory of the names and its always fun to weave with you through the journey your mind takes from one thought to another. Rated up and awesome. Take care Svetlana.
- AUTHOR
Thank you, htodd. I am glad you liked it.
Great post..Thanks
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Naomi, for your comment. I find it strange that people are not interested in their names, in their origins and meanings.
Names became names (just names), empty phonetic combinations. There is always some commotion when children get very unusual names, especially if the names in question are names of children of celebrities.
Most of the time those "ridiculous" names have apparent meaning ike "Sparrow".
I am not going to pass any judgment. If people can be called April or June, why not Sparrow? It makes no difference to me.
I only try drawing attention to the fact that every name had an apparent meaning at the moment of its creation.
Daniel is a Jewish name, it was created before Christianity. For Jews it sounds precisely "My Judge is God".
If anybody names a child like that "My Judge is God" he will be declared insane. It won't be allowed by authorities.
Theodor - "God's Gift" - Greek name, that is how it sounds for Greeks - today.
"Theo" - theology -
enthusiasm - from "entheos" - inspired by God.
You don't have to go far to find the word "God" in one way or another.
The fact that people do not know, do not pay attention or are simply not interested does not change facts.
The fact is all names have/had meanings and most people name their children wishing them THE BEST. Therefore there no stupid names - parents have the best intentions.
And as you mentioned in your other comment - to choose a common name means "to be controlled by others".
I have thought of this "Names - an Echo of Love" as series and I have written a few articles, but it did not get as much interest as I have hoped for.
But I love this subject and I have a lot of material, so maybe when I have time I will continue writing about names.
I tend to create "series": "Creating a Vision", "Men are Buses", "Writing - " and everything turns into a big project.
I guess I have to prioritize.
Thank you for reading again,
Your writings reveal what an interesting lady you are indeed. I feel compelled to read them. I never knew Daniel was a god that is interesting to know. I have always liked the name. The name is a prophet in the Bible of Christianity and he was favored by God. Personally I think judging a child for his name is cruel and uncalled for. I think I will follow you as I like what I have read so far.
The humor was clear and based on the amount of time you had to prepare was quick, concise, with a sharp edge. You might be a natural. I almost thought to recommend a comic club. But did not think that would resolve any problems other than put you directly in the path of oncoming laughter.
I will patiently wait for your comic Hub.
- AUTHOR
No, Mike, I was not being facetious. From the practical point of view, I cannot be electrical anything or anyone - I was a mechanical engineer. Supposed to be - but my specialty was more of a thinking kind - heat treatment of metals and alloys, analyzing structure and necessary treatments.
Wherever I go, I end up in the "Thinking Department". Some people are thinkers, some people are doers. I am not a "hands-on" person. You put me to sweep the floor - I will give a theory of sweeping.
I was not making fun of your suggestion. I was having fun - it was a comic relief. I will probably take off the comment to actually write a comic hub - how to make money.
Sometimes, when you let go, some ideas might well up.
OK, I undrerstand.
- AUTHOR
I don't feel comfortable charging friends, Augustine. I'll do everything "Free of Charge" for you.
Are these rates in Canadian or American dollars? Do you take a check?
I beg your pardon. No, really. I just revisited 'Creating a Vision -It's right there.'
I offer idea one in the 101 ways to make money quest.
It occurs to me that with your background, it would take just a few hours of study to pass the state (Canada's equivelant) test to get an electricians license. Then you would have to charge people fifty dollars an hour to install light switches.
Now, only 100 more ideas to go.
Good luck. oh, - don't begin to think your writing is bad. It is not bad. You challenge yourself, hence you challenge others.
And I began with I beg your pardon.
- AUTHOR
At some point, Daniel was always thinking about selling everything we had. "Nobody will buy" we used to say.
As far as my Engineering goes, I'd rather forget it. Basically I did - it is not something you can retain without practicing daily.
I don't know if you have read "Creating a Vision - It's right there..." - that is where I told a story of all my failures (major ones, at least), never to repeat the story again.
In short, I got my degree in 1993, to confirm it here, it would take too long and it is costly and I am not interested in engineering to begin with.
But writing...
I was happy for a while... until today. I reread a couple of my own articles and I was horrified - it is so BAD!
That is a writer for you.
But I need a vision... now everything is in fog...
And marriage ... I don't ... "this particular one" would be a mistake, so no. Not a solution.
101 ways to make money is an ideal Hub. The chore sets you off on a journey of discovery. And the destination is somewhere you want to be. The chore satisfies your needs on several levels. It will lead to the discovery of how money can flow into your bank account. You get to write about the experience and you may even find some joy or laughter to share with your son. I am sure there are silly ways to make money and serious ways.
I don’t mean to make light of the circumstances. The act of ‘commiting marriage’ seems to far off the charts.
How long ago did you receive that Masters in Engineering? I am very confused as to why that platform did not elevate you to the position that you rightly deserve.
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Mckbirdbks. I actually "announce" that I am contemplating such a scenario as a safeguard against doing it.
I am sure everybody who knows both of us will tell me "Don't do it." First of all he is not OLD, he is younger and there is not enough money to justify such idiocy. But too many "side effects".
You are right, I belong with the thinkers, even if they live in empty barrels, penniless.
I am definitely not Michelangelo, but I came across a very interesting thought today.
A certain character, a great thinker and a person who was always on the verge of discoveries (which was prompted by him, but done by his successors) came to a conclusion once - that he is such a failure that the only way to solve the problem of his existence is to remove himself from such. To commit a suicide. He did not do it - but the rest of his life he lived as if he did. As if he died at that moment and he lived very differently.
It is inspiring. However, one still needs money. We will see. Maybe I should write an article "A 1001 ways to make money." I would not know where to start.
Doing somersaults over toadstools and catching rides on dragon flies is all great escape if catching moonbeams stops at dawn. But that beats the heck out of retail. Are there no universities that you could infiltrate? You belong with thinkers, even though few will Tango.
If you 'M.F.M.' make sure there is a lot of money and he is old!
Michelangelo slaved away with chisel and hammer, chipping marble. Tough work, but beauty was produced. Did he produce for me, or himself? Continue to produce beauty, sooner or later there will be discovery.
- AUTHOR
Mckbirdbks, you can read my response to Twilight Lawns. "Marrying for money" is my S.O.S. plan. Ridiculous - but it has an "obsessive" pull in it. The candidate is, though, a pain in a certain area.
No, I cannot teach dance. I should find something - maybe even - "freaking" retail where I don't fit. For now - anything goes.
I was planning to keep writing on "self-discovery" as means to mental break-through. But you know how writers write - wherever the inspiration takes them. Now I was "working" on analyzing my childhood fantasies.
I really don't know. I do live in the world of fantasies.
- AUTHOR
Don't say that, Ian. The quality of your writing is not measured by the feedback that you are getting at the moment or lack thereof.
I have noticed long time ago, that the feedback is very insincere except for a few rare cases, just pay attention, how the praise is phrased - it describes the writer and mentions nothing about an article (hub, poem).
Or maybe a "reader" noticed a few words - that is all...
I decided to write hoping to develop my writing skills - I am being delirious - I still hope that I might write for a career - self-delusion - for that I need to get better... (while money is running low. You'd be laughing, but I even started considering getting married for "financial security". It is sheer madness, of course, but very tempting).
But readership? You and I have to be ready for an acid test - if people like what we write, that is their motivation, if they don't ... either we adjust or we don't.
It hurts, I know, but take heart. And don't judge yourself by what others think. They may just have no time for reading. "The mutual admiration society" has its boundaries - "I'll read only so much so that you read my writing". It is very wrong. But that is HP mentality.
"What you think of yourself is much more important than what others think of you." Seneca
And it may be quite unimportant what I think of you, but everything that I read of yours was beautiful.
I told you why I cannot spend time reading anymore - I was running away from myself and my problems for so long, that I have cornered myself. Even to consider to marry for money! I should make a poster and put it on the wall "Don't do it! Don't settle."
Good for you, my dear friend. Your life is for you to live, not the lives of others vicariously. No one reads my hubs any more, except for a couple of Sunnie's followers, A.A. & Mck and Sunnie, herself. As you know, my aim is to write, and I am happy doing that, but when I find that no one else is interested, I begin to realise (as if I hadn't realised it already) that perhaps I have nothing to offer.
Does that sound childish and spoilt? Well that is what I am trying to convey.
When you wander through your museum of wonderfulness, it is easy to become mesmerized. You offer up beautiful pictures, incredible music and twists and turnbacks for your readers to maneuver.
Can you teach dance? as part of your Pronto plan?
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Gift of God, for your comment. It is a great compliment indeed when you said that you feel slightly under the influence.
I was slightly surprised that even though my style is fairly consistent for everything I write or at least I think so, there was one article that gets the most attention - is it the subject or the title, I wonder. And great fans that readers become do not really follow through onto other domains of my wonderfulness.
I have to apologize, Ian, for not reading your work lately, I have seen that you wrote a considerable amount, but I have trouble concentrating even on the book that I read which I consider a must and all of a sudden I realized that I really must take care of my life - PRONTO. The money is running low... As you know I have only two caprices - dancing and writing. Both make me feel happy. And guilty at the same time.
You are so right, Mck. I love reading Svetlana's hubs. They are not to be taken lightly. I sometimes feel as if I have been smoking just a little wacky backy when I do.
Great one. as usual, my friend. I like 'La Paloma' too.
Ian (Gift of God)
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Colin, for the comment and for featuring my name. I appreciate it.
....your hubs are like epic journeys into the mind and what a fabulous mind you have my friend - I have featured your name on my Hub introduction page - so hopefully more people can see/feel/be moved and read what I have been raving about (madly) all along !!!!
Thank you for your videos at FB and as always they are appreciated - as you are my friend!
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Rorshak, for the comment.
Hey this was such a nice write up. Very unique I enjoyed the pictures.
rorshak sobchak
- AUTHOR
Augustine, thank you for reading and leaving a comment.
Daniel is being harassed mostly for other reasons, but not his name. I guess if I gave him the name I had in mind, he would have had even more difficult time.
But when he came from school and said he was told "You are not a Christian", especially here in Toronto, where everybody is someone different (including religion), I jumped.
Of course, my "smart-ass" suggestion is an adult response. I don't know what happened after, because Daniel does not share what is happening at school all that much.
But I was jumping again when he told me "This is the true spirit of Easter." I overreacted. I said "True spirit of Easter has nothing to do with chocolate and chasing rabbits." It goes in the minds of little ones in a very strange ways. After "my explanations", he said "I don't want to hear about god".
You see in Russian the word Christ and cross echo each other and every time I hear it, I see crucifixion. I find it very strange that people looking at a crucified person can experience divinity. That is called conditioning. Deities can be anything. Which they were. I cannot say that I am completely ignorant of mythology, but there were simply too many gods to know each and every one of them. I have a very thick book, that I might finally read one day "Mythology", it does not include everything either - I told Daniel - "If I hit you on the head, your head will not survive, that is how many gods were there before." (Of course, it is a joke, I do not hit anyone with heavy books), but we browsed through it together and sure enough, there is enough blood and violence - gods are strange creatures - bloodthirsty more often than not.
I don't want anyone brainwashing my son "with final and ultimate truth".
"Jesus" would not be my favourite name either, but why not give kids a break? Their parents meant well and who can say that those who harass Jesuses have better names? Johns? Peters?
Besides, there are a lot of theophoric names, more than meets the eye.
Christos is a Greek name. Greek names are more transparent to their Greek bearers than to us. They understand the meaning whereas we more often than not don't.
And the last thing, you know that before people became monotheistic, there were a multitude of gods. Jews were no exception.
The word "allah" stems from Jewish "Elohim" - I am not a linguist - I wish I were, but there was a transformation from a plural to a singular form. Originally, there were GODs. No matter where you go, you turn onto linguistic cul de sacs.
Then people believe - there is nothing else, if you don't know. I don't want to use the word "ignorance", but let's say "unawareness" of what is what, what was what, what means what. I am not such a big fan of blind anything.
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Mckbirdbks. But castles can be made out of sand... I think sometimes, words are nothing but grains of sand - no matter how hard I try, I end up with ground Zero again and again.
In the Jewish religion, you can not utter or even spell Jehovah's name. How did they teach their kids who God is? They have many titles for God, but treat his name as very sacred.
Why are kids harrassing Daniel about his belief or non-belief in God? Why are children concerned over such matters? I've known many Jesus's in my life, all sorry individuals. Guess their parents didn't anticipate that happening.
You build your Hubs into castles with your carefully constructed words, where I throw a straw hut together and call it good.
Your work here, as with your other Hubs, are fathoms deep.
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