September 19: Talk Like A Pirate Day

 

September 19:  Talk Like A Pirate Day

On June 6, 1995, there was a group of men playing racquetball, and throughout they were shouting encouragement to each other. On this particular day, for reasons unbeknownst to them, they started shouting piratical slang at each other. From there it took on a life of its own, and they realized by the end of the game that it was necessary that they establish a holiday to celebrate the use of such a fine vernacular. The first thing they needed was a date on which to celebrate, and they selected the birthday of the group’s leader’s ex-wife.

For the next seven years they honored this holiday, in relative obscurity, until they happened upon the email address of one Dave Barry, a syndicated columnist and author of a great number of books. Barry promoted the holiday, and it’s been one amazing year after another as people all over the country celebrate this auspicious holiday.  “Arrrggggh, matey!  Shiver me timbers.”

While we are never urged to talk like a pirate, we are urged to speak with a “salty” accent.  Colossians 4:5-6 says  “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.  Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”  What an amazing command!  Notice the details:

First, this especially concerns our conversations with “outsiders,” or those who have yet to bow the knee to Jesus Christ.  We are urged to be “wise,” not people with high IQ’s.  Then we are urged to make the most of every opportunity--At the gas station, in line at the grocery store, or conversations with our server at a restaurant.  This also includes our home, in our neighborhoods, and at work.  We should view every encounter as an opportunity.  Finally, we are urged to let our conversation be “gracious,” “seasoned with salt.”  No, that doesn’t mean talk like a pirate.

It does mean that we should be dispensers of grace in all our conversations.  Refrain from being judgmental, compliment when possible, encourage when necessary, and preserve life with your speech.  That is the meaning of the salt metaphor.  In Christ’s day, salt was a precious commodity that served primarily as a preservative.  How does your speech advance the life-giving message of the gospel?  How do your words recommend Christ? 

Today, as you fire off a few “Arrgghs” and ask if Polly wants a cracker, consider adding some timely salt to the conversation.  It can be as simple as a “how can I pray for you,” or as deep as asking “if you could ask God only one question, what would it be?”  Regardless of the particulars, make today and every day a “Talk like a Christ-follower Day.”  What better day for making that change than today?