There are indeed vocabulary differences between men and women, which sometimes makes me laugh.

This past weekend I was with a group of men and women having a meal together at the local restaurant enjoying good food and conversation. 

One of the men at the table told a story and said, “… stuck in my craw,” which made me laugh. And I asked what the meaning of the word, craw is. Of course, all the men knew what it meant, but I didn’t.

Another guy at the table said; the expression compares to a woman’s intuition. With that clarification, I could follow the story easier.

I wonder how often the message gets misconstrued because of our difference in vocabulary. It happens more times than we think.

We each use perception based on our experiences; we see things more often than not through our struggles, hardships, victories, or joyful times. And if we have not gone through an ‘experience’ for ourselves, we listen to others who have. Yet, again it is being communicated through the lens of that person. 

Let’s say someone went to an amusement park, rode a rollercoaster, and had a wonderful time. The thrill of the ride’s gravitational and centripetal forces stirred enthusiasm for such places and often talked about it. Someone who has never been to an amusement park would take this person’s opinion.

I am not too proud to admit that I am NOT all-knowing, nor do I understand all the information being shared. With that said, I will pray before starting my day, especially before attending meetings, particularly those that concern the welfare of my community, and ask for wisdom and understanding. One might think the two are the same, but they aren’t. Understanding is the ability to grasp what is said, and wisdom is to discern what is true, right, or lasting. 

 I am asking for wisdom from Holy Spirit. Only then would I have an unbias discernment.

James 3:17 – But the wisdom that comes from heaven is, first of all, pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

As we each start our week, let us humble ourselves and pray for true wisdom as we make decisions that affect not only our own lives but the lives of others.