This post has been prompted by the fear that the word ‘FRIEND' in our American version of the English language will lose its full power much as the word ‘LOVE' has...!!!
And ‘FACEBOOK', as well as other similar social networks currently circulating in cyberspace, will be one of the main culprits in hastening the demise of this great English word...
Let's take a look...
First off, the word ‘FRIEND' as defined by Webster: 1. a person whom one knows well and is fond of; close acquaintance. 2. a person on the same side in a struggle; ally. 3. a supporter or sympathiser.
Now, in order to more fully comprehend this definition, we must look up ‘ACQUAINTANCE', which, according to Webster is: 1. knowledge of someone got from personal experience or contact. 2. a person whom one knows only slightly.
When digested properly, then, there are some key elements that are essential in making a ‘FRIEND'...KNOWING WELL, PERSONAL CONTACT OR EXPERIENCE, and CLOSENESS...!!!
Truth be known, and virtual reality discounted, it is impossible for FACEBOOK to properly facilitate these three important attributes of FRIENDSHIP...
Personally, I know a lot of people, I have many acquaintances, but I have very few ‘FRIENDS'...
‘LOVE' used to imply a total and unconditional sacrificing of oneself for the benefit of another, but now we can love animals, love sex, we can love chocolate, we can even love inanimate objects such as trees, rocks, autos, money, etc.
You can see how our language has failed to provide the power that words were intended to convey, as time and abuse have worn their ways into our conversation...and corrupted our means of communicating accurately, important thoughts and concepts...!!!
After all, if by His Word, the entire Universe was created, words must be important...
Be sure this weekend to befriend some word(s)...
And have a great weekend...!!!
