I was reminded this week of the fluid nature of language and jargon. As an author, I am confronted by this surprisingly often. In Jordan's Deliverance, which takes place about fifty years in the fictional future, it was fun and challenging to craft jargon that doesn't exist yet. And in Unto Dust, I've had to research American jargon from the 1930s.

In a more colloquial sense, not all of the terms and words my generation (Generation X) used mean the same thing today. Often popular culture influences these changes, sometimes politics, and some things seem to happen at random.

It can be confusing sometimes, especially between generations of adults, because words have power. They are supposed to mean something. They can lift people's emotions or bring them down. They can be helpful or they can harm. They can bring clarity or they can obscure.

This is not so with the Living Word. Its meanings are not beholden to trends, popular notions or altering cultural influences. It is the Word of God and like God Himself, it does not change. The Bible's Old and New Testaments work together to inform, inspire, and comfort. They share a history of how God chose a people, interacted with them, sent His Son as the Messiah, and following Jesus's death, burial, and glorious resurrection, God sent His Holy Spirit into the world to make God's salvation available to everyone.


Hebrews 13:8 (King James Version = KJV)
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.


John 1: 1-4 (KJV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The same was in the beginning with God.

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.


From the days of Abraham and Moses to the judges, kings, and prophets to the days of Jesus and His disciples to today, God has stayed the same. His Word has not changed. It has been read, studied and used for inspiration and comfort throughout the ages. It is a Living Word and that is why it can still affect lives for the better now and with whatever the future brings.

God does not change.


Malachi 3: 5-6 (KJV)
And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.

For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.


I Peter 1: 24-25 (KJV)

For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.


So, no matter what changes occur in this world — from words, language or jargon to real-life events and experiences, you can be sure of two things:

1. God and His Word will never change.

2. If you keep your eyes on the Lord and strive to be like Him, according to His Word, He will bless your efforts.

Take comfort in that, now and in the days to come.

Here's one more excerpt from my upcoming novel The Former Things, which is a Christian fiction story told from the perspective of an atheist.

I don’t feel like heading straight home. Between everything that’s happened so far today, I’m agitated and restless. I need to clear my head. I’m not far from a park, maybe a few blocks. I hope it wasn’t too damaged by the storm.

It takes me about ten minutes to get there. I see a large white tent set up on one side of the grounds next to some large dogwood trees with vibrant white flowers. I see some people going in and out of the tent, but I can’t tell what they’re doing. Curious, I walk closer for a better view.

Of course, I think bitterly as I come to a halt. It’s a Christian group. The Hopes & Prayers Relief Organization. It figures. One crisis arises and they swoop in like vultures under the guise of “helping.” I start to feel a little queasy at the thought. But as I turn around, I almost bump into someone.

“Sean?”

Our eyes meet and there’s instant recognition. Of all people, it’s her.

“Jennie, is that you?” I ask, not believing my eyes.

She’s with a young woman I don’t know. But Jennie Lou Harris looks as stunned as I feel. After a few seconds, she remembers how to smile.

“Yes. Yes, it’s me,” she replies. “This is . . . quite a surprise. How are you?”

Her companion, a short Asian woman in a white t-shirt and khaki skirt, wisely stays silent. She’s probably waiting for Jennie to introduce us. Part of me hoped I’d never see Jennie Lou again. And another part is thrilled that she’s here. She hasn’t changed much, except cutting her hair to shoulder-length. She and her friend are wearing Hopes & Prayers t-shirts, which sport ocean blue lettering on a white background. Jennie Lou is wearing blue jeans with hers. She always liked blue jeans.

I almost wish she wasn’t as beautiful as I remembered. I nearly don’t comprehend what she says, I’m so absorbed in her appearance.

“Did you not hear me, Sean? I asked how you’re doing.”

My verbal recovery is less than stellar.

“Uh, I—um, I’m fine, thanks,” I manage to say. “You’re here with them?” I point at her t-shirt.
She smiles uneasily. “Yes. We’re here to help the community recover from the tornado.”

I start tensing up. Don’t say anything. It won’t make any difference. And it will mess up any chance of--

“How?”

The word is out of my mouth before I can contain it. And it’s filled with contempt.

Both of them stiffen and go quiet. Jennie’s friend frowns and Jennie’s brow furrows. I need to fix my blunder.

I clear my throat. “I mean, what service is the organization providing?”

That seems to diffuse some of their alarm, especially Jennie Lou. She considers my question.

“Hopes & Prayers has a mobile hospital,” Jennie Lou replied. “Since yesterday, the city’s hospitals have been pushed to capacity. This organization has medical professionals who volunteer their time and services. They can help treat those who can’t afford medical treatment.”
Jennie Lou’s friend steps forward and offers her hand. “Hi, I’m Lynn Wilson. I’m a volunteer like Jennie.”

I accept her handshake and give her a polite smile.

“We also have a musical group that will be giving a free concert,” Lynn continues. “Some of our volunteers are licensed counselors. And we’re providing free food for those who need it.”

That all sounds good. Those are all valuable services. Except they’re leaving one out.

“And spiritual counseling?” I ask, looking directly at Jennie Lou. I consciously remove as much negativity from my voice as I can.

Jennie Lou keeps a straight face, but I can see the confidence in her eyes. It’s just short of defiance.

“Of course, for those who are seeking it,” she replies.
“Of course,” I repeat, holding my own emotions in check.

More awkward silence.

“I suppose Lynn and I should get back,” she suggests. “It was good to see you, Sean. You’re looking well.”

I nod and start to walk away. I hear their steps on the grass as they head in the opposite direction. Then I stop.

“I’m not well!”

I couldn’t help it. Those words erupted from me loud and clear. My feet dig into the ground and won’t let me proceed.

“I was there!” I continue. “I was in the building across the street from the twister. I heard it roar and scream and destroy while we cowered in the dark next to our desks! We—thought we were going to die.”

Having said all that, I turn to face them again. Lynn is further away than Jennie. I can’t read her expression from here, but she’s frozen in a half-turn. Jennie Lou is maybe ten feet from me with eyes wide and mouth open. She heard everything I said.


The Former Things is available for preorder on Amazon. It will be published by Ambassador International on July 12, 2022.