One a dem
Being a true southerner, born and raised in Georgia, I am accustomed to the people's accent and our very own dialect which often requires interpretation. Thus, the reason subtitles are necessary in many televised instances, such as the local news or an episode of COPS. Though some would consider our methods of speech to be lazy or imply that we are "slower," I am biased and feel that often we are showing creativity in utilizing the English language - no matter how slow the draw. Whether words are combined into one or words are added in our regional flare for a familiar phrase, a southerner's speech is immediately recognizable.
My pastor, two friends, and I visited one of our church members in the hospital. She was air lifted from the scene of the accident to the trauma center in Atlanta. Once she was stabilized, she was moved to a room in ICU. During that time her family, friends, along with us, gathered in the waiting room. Our pastor called everyone together and proceeded to pray for her and her family. We left the waiting room and headed to the elevator. Before we could get on a gentlemen who had chased us down the hall tapped our pastor on the shoulder and said, "Could I get one a dem dare prayers?" Interpretation: Would you say a prayer for me? I smiled because of the unmistakable southern language and the humility in which it was spoken. I then began to cry because of the realization that this individual was desperate for his mother to be healed of cancer and he didn't understand prayer, to Whom it is spoken, or the power of its results. However, I saw a beautiful visualization of those who came to the disciples with hope that a prayer could make the difference.
Jesus enabled us to do what He did.
And when H had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. - Matt 10:1 (NIV)
The word disciple (mathetes - Greek) comes from the root verb, manthano, which means "to learn." A disciple is a learner. A disciple follows the teaching and teacher. This word was used to describe the original Twelve but later used for Christians in general.
According to above referenced scripture, I believe that "one a dem" is enough. One prayer of a disciple should heal, assume authority over evil, and deliver. The results of prayer are not limited to believers of Christ only. We as disciples are to simply follow the teacher and His teaching. When the opportunity presents itself, disciples of Christ should be ready and willing to speak, command, declare as He did.
Regardless of accent, grammar, or language, we all need hope. We all need the touch of God. We all need "one of dem dare prayers." If someone asks you the same question this individual asked our pastor that night, phrased in whatever manner their region of speech requires, what will your answer be? I hope it's the same as Jesus; the same as the disciples; the same as our pastor, "Absolutely."
My pastor, two friends, and I visited one of our church members in the hospital. She was air lifted from the scene of the accident to the trauma center in Atlanta. Once she was stabilized, she was moved to a room in ICU. During that time her family, friends, along with us, gathered in the waiting room. Our pastor called everyone together and proceeded to pray for her and her family. We left the waiting room and headed to the elevator. Before we could get on a gentlemen who had chased us down the hall tapped our pastor on the shoulder and said, "Could I get one a dem dare prayers?" Interpretation: Would you say a prayer for me? I smiled because of the unmistakable southern language and the humility in which it was spoken. I then began to cry because of the realization that this individual was desperate for his mother to be healed of cancer and he didn't understand prayer, to Whom it is spoken, or the power of its results. However, I saw a beautiful visualization of those who came to the disciples with hope that a prayer could make the difference.
Jesus enabled us to do what He did.
And when H had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. - Matt 10:1 (NIV)
The word disciple (mathetes - Greek) comes from the root verb, manthano, which means "to learn." A disciple is a learner. A disciple follows the teaching and teacher. This word was used to describe the original Twelve but later used for Christians in general.
According to above referenced scripture, I believe that "one a dem" is enough. One prayer of a disciple should heal, assume authority over evil, and deliver. The results of prayer are not limited to believers of Christ only. We as disciples are to simply follow the teacher and His teaching. When the opportunity presents itself, disciples of Christ should be ready and willing to speak, command, declare as He did.
Regardless of accent, grammar, or language, we all need hope. We all need the touch of God. We all need "one of dem dare prayers." If someone asks you the same question this individual asked our pastor that night, phrased in whatever manner their region of speech requires, what will your answer be? I hope it's the same as Jesus; the same as the disciples; the same as our pastor, "Absolutely."
Comments