Royalty 2
In this second edition of Royalty we examine Royal-speak.
I’ve often wondered about the sound of language. Since I am a native West Texas speaker, I have an accent. Early on in my career I did work on TV and radio and the training I received “de-regionalized” me; that is they taught me to sound like I was from no-where identifiable. That is one of my pet peeves about the standard reporters on TV these days–they all sound the same whether they are in Seattle or Atlanta!
When Prince William or the Queen Mother speak–they clearly would have British accents right? But they would not have cockney British accents would they? (think Fagin in the classic movie Oliver) They would have polished, somewhat upper-crust British accents. They would never say “Yo–my bad Holmes!” when they drop a fork at the table. Can you see Prince William and Prince Harry greeting one another at the end of a riveting game of cricket with “What up DAWG?!” Probably not–and if they did–it would clearly not sound like someone who knew how to say it.
What do the Royals sound like in public?
They season their comments with grace. Even when they speak harshly–they say it in such a way as to make you listen closely to hear the reprimand. Blunt is not a royal language. In Proverbs 15 Solomon said, “A soft answer turns away wrath…” . Paul said this of God, “It is His kindness that leads us to repentance.” To be the son or daughter of the King–that is a Prince or Princess means that our words, tone and inflection create an atmosphere of kindness and restoration.
The language of royalty seems to bring honor to a high place in the conversation. They don’t feel compelled to make others feel belittled or disrespected to create humor; indeed their word selection and inflection might cause a person of low standing in society or circumstance feel worthy of the royal person and of themselves. The atmosphere around a royal would reflect Paul’s encouragement in Colossians, “Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.”
When I was in my first years of college I had a job as a security guard. I would wander around four large buildings, inside and out from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. in downtown Albuquerque, NM. I would often encounter very large men who were not in their right mind due to drugs, alcohol or mental illness. I had the not-so-enviable job of asking them to leave their warm grate (steam heated) and move out. As you could imagine they were not always happy with me and would usually look me over to determine whether they should just knock me out and go back to sleep. The best words of guidance I received from a co-worker was to remember that I had no idea what their real story is, what their pain is and that if I would treat them with kindness and respect rather than the “voice of command” I would receive favorable results. It worked perfectly. I never had any of those men attack me and I never had to use any form of force to do my job. I honored them–regardless their station in life.
I am asking the Holy Spirit to inspire me to the language of a Royal son. I’m asking that my words and tones would cause the King of Glory to be honored and that others who hear my words would be encouraged and lifted up. I’m asking that others sense the presence of God’s love and acceptance when I use my words.
I am becoming more Royal in my God given Texas accent. How about you?
Go JESUS!
