Awesome Is A God Word | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Awesome Is A God Word

We've forgotten the true value of the word itself and the incredible power it holds.

21
Awesome Is A God Word
Eliza Butts

Words hold immense power. The Oxford Dictionary defines a word as “a single distinct meaningful element.” I think that we often forget that words are, in fact, incredibly meaningful and that using the wrong one at the wrong time can devalue the true worth of the word itself. Words alter the way we perceive events, objects, and situations and strongly influence our interpretation of the things around us.

'Awesome' is one of those words that has lost its meaning. 'Awesome' is a God word to me, and it always will be. I have stopped using this word in my day-to-day life, and I am slowly starting to see the true power of the word itself.

Awe. When you hear the word 'awe' what pops into your head? A snow-capped mountain, waves softly rolling onto a sandy beach with a gorgeous sunset in the background, a song so beautiful you are brought to tears every time you hear it? If none of those things give you any sense of awe, then let's try this: some synonyms of the word ‘awe’ include wonder, wonderment, amazement, astonishment, admiration, reverence, veneration, and respect. By now you surely have some sort of image in your head.

Now let's take this a step further and think about the word 'awesome.' I would be willing to bet we hear this word at least seven times a day, on average. But think about what that word actually means. Oxford Dictionary defines awesome as “inspiring awe.” Let that sink in for a minute. This implies that anything that is 'awesome' inspires the sense of awe we previously defined.

If you agree with me on that, then we need to recognize that as a society we are entirely numb to the true power and meaning of the word 'awesome.'

The word that has become a part of our everyday vocabulary is the same word that is used to describe the Creator of the Universe in Psalm 47:2.

Raising someone from the dead is 'awesome;' that breakfast was not.

The fact that you were knitted together in your mother’s womb is 'awesome;' that buzzer beater shot was not.

The fact that the same God who formed Mount Everest with his own two hands also created you is 'awesome;' that new gadget you bought is not.

The fact that the Lord of everything said that all of his creation was good but that you were very good is 'awesome;' that A+ you got on your test is not.

Now, none of this is to say that those things are not GREAT things. There is nothing quite like a buzzer beater, an A+ you studied incredibly hard for, and getting excited about the newest gadget in technology you just bought, but these things are incomparable to the awesomeness of our God. There are thousands of adjectives to choose from in the English language that don’t diminish and cheapen the true wonder and awe of the God we love.

If the sense of awe you feel in a moment truly parallels that of the God of the Universe, that is phenomenal and the word 'awesome' should be used. But if you experience something that is nothing more than average, pick one of those thousands of other adjectives, because 'awesome' is a God word.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

24258
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10149
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7426
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments