Hey y’all!
Living in the South, I’ve noticed that folks here are not ashamed to flaunt their "southerness". In fact, some are quite proud of their roots and emphasize their drawl like a badge of honor.
Whether it’s Southern or Yankee , English or Scottish, everyone has an accent. The way we speak and the words we use lends insight into who we are. For example, I spent my formative years in Romania, then lived well over a dozen years in the land Down Under, on the other side of the globe in Australia. My Eastern European accent combined with the Aussie English I first learned sticks out down here like a white elephant in Granny’s lap. It’s obvious I ain’t from ’round here.
As citizens of another kingdom, we should speak in a way that points to that heavenly Kingdom. If we are truly representing our eternal home, our speech should give us away. Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
Our kingdom drawl should be gracious and tasty— when we talk to others they should walk away wanting more. The world is harsh and cruel, and people can be so mean. Hurting people are aching for someone with a Kingdom twang to speak into their lives, to encourage them, or to simply listen and have compassion.
Whenever we come in contact with someone, we have the opportunity to flaunt our Kingdom accent. Don’t let the chance to point people to the King go to waste. Give ‘em a taste of Kingdom hospitality.
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Mark Hobafcovich, is a Kingdom catalyst, pastor, leader, and author of "Defector: A True Story of Tyranny, Liberty and Purpose" , a memoir chronicling his journey to becoming a disciple of Christ inspiring others to live a purposeful life.
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