Some years ago when our children were small, we would occasionally find a small pile of wet pajamas next to the hamper on the floor. Invariably we would ask why they were wet and the answer they would give was, “I sweated a lot last night.” Finally tangible proof of global warming.

Thirty years ago an amusing public service announcement played on the radio with the closing statement, “The more things change, the more they remain the same.” Back then I thought that was spot on, yet now I’m beginning to question that premise. I know no one wants to be seen as weak or devoid of willpower and that’s why our culture today makes up phrases and euphemisms that make our poor choices less egregious.

I’m a big guy so when I shop for clothes, I have to go to a store that caters to wooly mammoths. Apparently women’s egos bruise easier than men because while I go to “Big” and Tall Stores, they go to “Plus Size” stores. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a women’s store with this faux pax. I drove to a Big and Tall men’s store in Kentucky one time, and it sat next door to Blimpie’s sandwich shop. Nothing buoys the ego like buying a pair of pants with the image of a dirigible going through your head. And I do find it a bit disconcerting as a Pastor I wear clothes in “three X.” I feel apprehensive because didn’t that acronym at one time mean no clothes instead of big clothes? No wonder I’m more confused the older I get. Let’s call things the way they were originally defined.

This week in Hollywood, two famous couples announced their relationship was ending. You and I would call it the same way country singer Tammy Wynette would, “D-i-v-o-r-c-e.” Except each coined a new phrase that is as ridiculous as it is lame. Instead of using words like, “On the Rocks, or Legal Separation,” these couples used flowery terminology that is a trending phenomena among celebrities. Actress Gwyneth Paltrow and her singer husband announced they were going through a “conscious uncoupling.” Not to be outdone, Country Singer Jewel and her husband of 16 years announced they were embarking on a “tender undoing.” What’s next, the definition ‘extended marital safari?’

Call me old fashioned, but I long for a time when the term, ‘ a man of his word’ meant something. Bad meant terrible and good meant wholesome. As a Pastor, when it comes to preaching the Word, I cannot soften the message to pop culture standards. While it might sound smooth with less guilt, I doubt God would be pleased if I described His stone tablets He gave at Mt. Sinai as the “Ten Propositions.”