Paper Tiger

One of the first daily e-mail subscriptions I signed up to receive was AWAD - A Word A Day. I wish I could say it has made a difference in my vocabulary, but sadly few words have made it into my everyday speech even though I read the mailings regularly. It's not the fault of AWAD. They include definitions, the word found in a published sentence, and include the origin of the word, all in connection to help provide a clear use of the word. Each week has a theme and metaphors are this week's commonality. "A metaphor is a kind of magical mental changing room, where one thing, for a moment, becomes another, and in that moment is seen in a whole new way." Today's word is paper tiger which means "one who is outwardly strong and powerful but is in fact powerless and ineffectual. The term is often used to describe countries. In 1956, Chairman Mao of China applied it to the US. Later it was used in the Western press to refer to China and its economy."

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, We are dependent on your strength and power. We are thankful that your might is genuine and true. Let us be more than paper tigers of faith, saying what we believe, but not actively living our creeds. Let us read your word with dedication, letting your words find their way into our thoughts and our actions. In the safety of our congregation we know the words and the deeds that are expected but often have a difficult time repeating them at work, with friends, and as we meet new people. Let us be a congregation of resolve and confidence. We have been changed in a whole new way; let that change be permanent and continually evolving. Let us be Christians in more than a name written on a program but evident by our outwardly love. Amen