Book and Movie Reviews

      THE WEIGHT OF YOUR WORDS: Measuring the Impact of What You Say

                                           by Joseph M. Stowell 

   This is a great book along with being an easy read. With the pressures from society, the media, the workplace, and people with whom a person fellowships this book is a must. The copyright is 1998, but that does not diminish the importance of this book. It would be a book, if I could, make required reading for all Christians. Here is a glimpse at the chapter headings:

A Word's Worth: The "Problem" Tongue Exposed

To Tell the Truth: Beguilement, Deceit, Lying, and False Witness

Maliciously Speaking: Gossip and Slander

The Ego in Our Mouths: Boasting, Flattery, and Exaggeration

Cross Words: Murmuring and Contentious Words

Expletives Deleted: Using God's Name in Vain and Sensuous Speech

Heart Talk: Your Tongue Reflects Your Spirit

Speaking Out for Number One: Push Your Pride Aside

Defusing Anger: Douse the Fire in Your Tongue

Patience Applied: Good Words for Bad Deeds

The Trust-Love Life: Conquer Fear with Love

Apples of Gold: A Commitment to Positive Speech

   Included in the book is also a study guide to aid the reader in this study. From the jacket of the book: "Can we freely speak our minds at any time without fear of suffering the consequences? Of course not. Contrary to the old children's jingle, the wrong words or the wrong attitudes in our speech can be every bit as damaging as sticks and stones. Instead of breaking bones, though, hurtful words crush others' spirits through slander, deceit, lies, gossip, boasting, and murmuring. How has the weight of your words affected relationships in your life?"

   OMG now has been added to the dictionary and yet it is taking the Lord's name in vain. Look at the now common trash talk. Listen to television and especially sitcoms where there are double-meanings in the words that are spoken and that would also include advertisement. This is a very important book for this time.