Wednesday, April 9, 2014

H is for Hold On

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“Hold on!  That’s not what I meant!”

“Hold on.  Be careful.  It’s delicate.”

“Hold on tight!”

All of these uses of ‘hold on’ imply something slightly different, yet they also imply something similar - value. 

In the first case, someone’s communication has been misinterpreted.  To the speaker the correct interpretation of what they had to say is obviously important to them.  They are saying, “Wait a minute.  Let me clarify.  I want you to understand me.  The link between what I am expressing and what you are receiving from me has value to me.”

In the second case, ‘hold on’ implies something more tangible.  As the speaker says, “Hold on,” the picture is of an object that needs to be handled with care.  I can envision a fragile piece of expensive porcelain being entrusted from the grasp of its caretaker to the expectant, cupped palms of a wide-eyed admirer, the object’s value emphasized in the solicitude of the transfer.

Picture 3.  “Hold on.  Do you have a good grip?”  This time safety seems stressed.  Perhaps its a child’s first dalliance with an adventure, maybe climbing a tree or a first ride on the back of a motorcycle or something even more daring.  The value of a life, sacred, precious beyond measure, halts a mother’s heart as she says, “hold on!”


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“Hold onto it.  Don’t lose it.”
"Hold on.  You can do it." 
“Hold onto it.  Don’t give it away.”


"Hold onto it.  Protect it.”

"Hold on.  You can make it." 
“Hold onto it.  Watch what you say.” 

 


What do these mean to you?  Will you guard your heart to love or protect it from loving?  Will you hold onto your faith or be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine?  Will you be careful or careless about what comes out of your mouth or is expressed in your emotions?  Will you give up or keep it up?"

Words do mean something, but they can mean so many different things depending on the context and the background of the parties involved.   People are complicated.  So are our relationships, our emotions, our communications, and the list goes on. 

It is worth giving our all to find out what is really meant by the words communicated by the people we love in order to hold on to the truth.




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A to Z Challenge

16 comments:

  1. Great advice! I've been thinking quite a bit on this topic lately. It's not easy to be strong, to hold your tongue, to hold onto your faith, to retain your trust when you're afraid--so many challenges in life. Thank you for this post!
    http://compassionkindnessandlove.blogspot.com/

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    1. There are many challenges but God is always there to hold on to, not with a blind faith but with a faith that knows truth. Thanks for your comments and visits. I enjoy your blogs as well. God bless, Maria

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  2. Hanging on and not giving up.....God willing. Thanks for visiting my blog, Maria!
    Shells–Tales–Sails

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Sharon. I know I'll be back to visit you again. It's always a pleasure. Maria

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  3. Great post, Maria. When I hear the words, "Hold on tight," I definitely think of a child's first adventure. Or an adult's. There's a prayer at my church with the line, "it is good for us to cling to God." I love this line because the world gets so crazy sometimes that's all we can do. I appreciate your writing. Happy rest of A to Z.

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    1. I do agree with you, Robert. Got to cling to the Lord. When troubles arise, that is right where I go. Thanks for coming by and encouraging me. God bless, Maria

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  4. We can all remember times we needed to hold on. What a lovely blog post, nice to follow and connect through a to z http://aimingforapublishingdeal.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Thank you for connecting, Charlotte. I am thankful too for the great people we meet in the challenge and the wisdom I am exposed to. Be blessed, Maria

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  5. When I hear "hold on tight," I think of the old song by ELO, which said hold on tight to your dreams.

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    1. Those old songs to come back to us at the turn of a phrase. Don't they? Thanks for visiting Diane. Always appreciate your comments. Blessings, Maria

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  6. I chant Hold On each day. Lol usually pertaining to my job and hoping my books will someday take me away from it.

    Thanks for stopping by and blitzing me.

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    1. Thanks for returning the visit, Miranda. Hang in there as you hold on. Maria

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  7. This is a great post. Thanks for these words of wisdom. So simple, but so complex at the same time. So much meaning from two little words.

    Happy A-Zing.
    Chatter from the Mongoose Den

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    1. The simple things are often the most profound, aren't they. Thanks for that reminder, Robbie. God bless, Maria

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  8. I love coming here Maria. This blog really stimulates my brain and my heart because it touches on so many thoughtful topics.

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    1. Thanks Jen. You are very kind and a blogging buddy I am grateful for. God bless, Maria

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