The English language is a beautiful thing.
According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary this word is obsolete, but the definition is, “the quality or state of being clear to the understanding : lucidity in expression or development of ideas.”
Today’s version of perspicuity would be “full transparency.” So, when I was prompted to write today on the question: “What’s the best advice you’d give to someone younger than you?” I would tell them to live a life of Perspicuity. They wouldn’t get it, because nobody uses this word anymore. They would look at me in their youthful way and say, “What are you talking about old man?” In the same way in which smart phones have replaced landlines, the English language has evolved. And don’t even get me started on the texting shorthand in usage today on all the “smart” devices. Even that sentence is absurd to me. Texting in shorthand? Really?
Everyone knows “LOL” means “Laughing out loud.” That’s an easy one. For everyone over 55 see if you can figure out these common shorthand abbreviations the “youths” (Yutes?) are using to communicate today…
- NVM
- SMH
- TMI
- ICYMI
- RN
- FOMO
- YOLO
- BFF
- DM
- BRB
- OMG
- LMK
- TTYL
- TBH
I think the last abbreviation in this list is the most appropriate to discuss under today’s topic.
TBH- “to be honest.”
Think about the phrase itself. “To be honest.” Does that mean everything up to this point in the conversation has been something less than honest? Have you been telling the truth so far? The ambiguity of the phrase itself boggles the mind. Which leads me back to my advice to those younger than myself.
My advice? Be authentically you. Be transparent. Live in perspicuity! Don’t use phrases like “to be honest.” Just be truthful in all your ways. Do the next right thing. Own your mistakes. Make lots of mistakes, so you can learn what not to do. Do not fear failure. Mistakes and failures are God’s way of shaping us and forming us into what He wants us to become. None of us are perfect. Own this too.
My second piece of advice is to seek help for living from the life giver Himself. God has created you uniquely you. You don’t have to be someone else, you just have to be you. And God’s WORD is another great example of Perspicuity. In every way possible the Bible is forthcoming with the Truth of what God wants you to know about Him. From the very beginning statement all the way to the last, God tells humanity His thoughts about life. He reveals Himself in His attributes and activities. He defines what love looks like on a grand scale. The Book, which includes 66 different works by different authors, explains with complete transparency, everything we humans need to know to live honestly, humbly, and lovingly among the other human companions who cross our paths.
Finally, the thing I love about the Word of God is that God never begins any statement with “To be honest…”
He doesn’t because He isn’t holding anything back. He gives it to us straight!
As I was saying... 