During one of his specials Dave Chappelle tossed out a modifier, “…and those Tropes,” I had to look it up. A figure of speech, or a Cliche. Tropes are typically self-defined but seldom specifically-applied. In a similar manner Trademarks are easy to recognize but only valuable when you buy.
Language has the greatest meaning when used to describes something that matters to someone. When words and phrases can fly like insects they are easily swatted away and forgotten as quickly.
The Bible Says…
Consider this fundamental trope, “The Bible Says.” That phrase is often used to add authority to a statement and finality to an argument. It’s somewhat difficult to validate the effectiveness of that Trope-toss because it’s impossible to measure the acceptance of the premise by the people who are playing catch with that phrase.
The Word Of God is not a weapon or a text full of proofs and gotcha’s. Christ is the living word. The scripture is the writings of those who have the testimony of Christ from the beginning of the book through the wiping away of all tears near the ending.
We All Have Free Will…
Or take the theologically Trademarked statement, “…we all have free will.” A tagline typically affixed at the end of an example of a person who has done something existentially-evil or supremely-sinful. ” That person __________ed that other person without any remorse or good reason. But, we all have free will.”
There is no freedom in sin or good will in evil. To cite the activation of one’s “free will” to explain or to do evil is a tortured use of that trademark.
Christ finalized our freedom on the Cross. When we express and enjoy that freedom we are willingly free.
About Tossing Them Out
In the fabulous movie, The Darkest Hour, Lord Halifax said of Winston Churchill, “He mobilized the English language and sent it into battle.” It wasn’t his words, it was the hope they freed in the English people, and later in the hearts of all the allied forces. It is noteworthy, his words have become tropes and trademarks.
I was a kid when I say my first Red Letter version of the Bible. I loved it on first sight, and I love it more today. The words of Jesus leapt off the page and into my soul. No embellishment, exaggerations, or elaborations needed.
Now it is Christ who lives in me, the Hope of Glory. In that hope I am willingly free and will endeavor to share the story of a soul filled with those Red Letters.
Much of the rest can be tossed out.
