Categories: uncategorized
Date: 21 September 2004 12:29:16
Blessings. What does this mean? In the context of an email or letter it seems to have become the de rigeur sign-off for the entire congregation. To me, it sounds about as sincere as Yours Sincerely, so I don't use it. I would never use it to a non-churchgoer, anyway, because I'm scared they would think I was being weird.
I don't want to be the sort of person who uses an entirely different set of phrases with my friends and colleagues to the ones I do at church, even though I can speak Christian as a second language.
On the other hand, it could be quite fun. I can just see me telling my boss that I felt "called" to write a story about smallpox vaccines, and telling people that I have a journalistic "anointing". I could start describing a trip to the pub as a "fellowshipping opportunity" and my articles as being "undergirded by truth" (I wish). In fact, in church, the phrase "not my anointing" seems to be a handy get-out clause for anything from not wanting to do the tea rota to not running the youth club. I'm thinking of employing it in tricky work situations ( in the sense of "photocopying is SO not my anointing")- it might even mystify people into agreeing with me.
But none of this deals satisfactorily with my problem, which is how I sign off emails and notes to other church members. With everyone else, it's easy - I sign things "love and hugs" for my friends, and "best wishes" to work acquaintances. Suddenly, it's all got very complicated - "best wishes" sounds stupidly formal, and love and hugs inappropriate. Maybe someone has some suggestions?
Blessings,
fishsoup