OMG Follow Up. I found this sad.
A few days ago, I wrote a post about using the phrase "Oh my God." I noticed that there are many people who say it, and that there are many people who are offended by it. I received responses on both sides of the issue. One was particularly sad to me, and I wanted to share it because it comes from one of the kindest and most generous people I know, my brother's wife, Kim. Here is what she said:
another child didn't "like me" because they heard me say "oh my god". "Devout Christians" I suppose. That phrase didn't define me and it was wrong of them to judge me or deem me unworthy of friendship with their child. The fact is that they literally didn't even know me. It wasn't until about 15 years ago that I became conscious of using it and try not to now. Just my own personal preference. I do not judge others for saying it. I don't ask people not to say it and it does not offend me. It's not for me to feel "offended" by it or to judge others for saying it.
The reason behind my posting this response is not to justify the use of the phrase. It is only to bring awareness of the hurt and separation that judgment can bring--especially to children. Personally, I try to refrain--though I slip sometimes. But I believe that God is more saddened by seeing any of His children ostracized than He is by the use of that phrase.