OMG… STOP SAYING THAT!

 

OMG... STOP SAYING THAT! This phrase rolls out of so many mouths without a thought. Let's talk about what we are really saying!

You would probably not ever want to go shopping with me.  I am not a “let’s go shopping together” kind of girl! I really don’t like to shop! I shop at a handful of stores, but that’s it!  If a store has the words pottery or crate or Home or vintage in it… well, bring it on! Other than that, I am a lone wolf shopper! If I have to shop, I hunt down my merchandise prey alone. That way I have time to think and strategize about the mission!  In… attack… out! No fooling around. Precision and quick strikes!  Browsing is a very bad word to me! I do my browsing in magazines, not stores! And long check out lines make me want to leave everything in my cart and head for the nearest exit!

This week I had a shopping experience that stopped me in my tracks… shopping cart and all!

I had to make a trip to a “big box store”. UGH! THE  worst!!! What is it about malls and big, big stores that suck the life out of me? They make me tired! Well, anyway… I needed several items and off I went with a shopping list and my fastest sneakers on!

On my shopping list was a white quilt. I wanted an inexpensive one to sew into a seat pad for my back porch swing. While perusing the bedding aisle, I came across a pillow that said… as proud and sweet as possible… OMG! It was all girly and cute and pink and glittery and propped up in the back-to-college isle! OMG! This little pillow, all cute and oh, so girly…made me pause and feel so sad! It literally had a visceral effect on me. The pit of my stomach sank, my mouth dropped open and I was shocked! I wondered how many little girls or college girls or grown up women would be thrilled to find that cute and girly OMG pillow!

The pillow was adorable, but the message was not… and I am not being overly dramatic! Let’s look at why this current and catchy phrase is so so wrong!

YOU SHALL NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD  YOUR GOD IN VAIN, FOR THE LORD WILL NOT HOLD HIM GUILTLESS WHO TAKES HIS NAME IN VAIN. Exodus 20:7

To understand this verse it’s critical to know what a person’s name means. In ancient time one’s name was very important. A person’s name symbolized their character. Who they were… what they were all about. A name carried with all the attributes of someone! I don’t know if you are old enough to remember your parents saying, “Don’t do anything that would hurt our family name”! Because our names represent who we are. Even though it was considered old fashioned, when our children were growing up we taught them that our name… their name’s… were important and went with them throughout their lives. And that they needed to be careful of their actions because what they did would be associated with their name’s!

When God says to not take His name in vain He means not to use His name when it does not represent His character! The word vain in Hebrew (the original language this verse was written in) is LAS-SAW… pronounced SHAV. It carries the meaning of worthlessness, emptiness, vanity, to no good purpose. God is saying… don’t use my name in any other way than to proclaim who I am… my character… my glory! When we use God’s name “in vain”, or in other words for any other purpose, we defame God! Think about that!

Let’s look at what else God says about His name…

AND MY HOLY NAME I WILL MAKE KNOWN IN THE MIDST OF MY PEOPLE ISRAEL, AND I WILL NOT LET MY HOLY NAME BE PROFANED ANYMORE.  Ezekiel 39:7

The word holy is KODESH in Hebrew. Said, ko’-desh. It is the idea of something so special that it is “set apart” from anything ordinary. It means sacred and something dedicated or set apart for a special purpose.  God’s holy name is set apart to be used only for the proclaiming of his character… his Glory!

Not only the word “God ” is holy… but all other names He goes by are too!

FOR THIS REASON ALSO, GOD HIGHLY EXULTED HIM (JESUS), AND BESTOWED ON HIM THE NAME WHICH IS ABOVE EVERY NAME, SO THAT AT THE NAME OF JESUS, EVERY KNEE WILL BOW OF THOSE WHO ARE IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH AND UNDER THE EARTH AND EVERY TONGUE SHOULD CONFESS THAT JESUS IS LORD, TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER. Philippians 2:10-11.

The name of Jesus…. the NAME… is so great and Jesus is so magnificent that His name is set above all others. And at the very mention of “Jesus” all creation bows in honor and subordination to Him.  And everyone should sing the praises of Jesus and acknowledge Him as Creator of all and Owner of all and over all! And when we give Jesus’ name this correct honor, we glorify God!!!

Why then, do we use God’s name and Jesus’ name as a curse… as empty words? God says when we do so we will NOT BE HELD GUILTLESS!

The bible is full of verses that tell us that God’s name is special… holy… and should not be used in a way that would discredit, and disgrace and hurt His character.

I was in a long line at a store (UGH!) and there was a woman in back of me complaining about the wait. She finished  her rant with “Oh, God!”  I turned around and said, “You ARE calling on the right ONE, you are just using the wrong tone”. Should we not stand up for God’s name? Of all the things we protect shouldn’t that be the most important? If you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior YOU carry His name! You are a CHRISTian. Isn’t it important to protect your family name?

I honestly think if people knew how detestable using God’s name was, they would stop! It is worse than using the most foul and vulgar words.

I prayed for every girl or woman who would buy that sweet and sparkly and horrible OMG pillow. I prayed they would come to know that OMG is not a cute saying, but a curse! I pray that we all know the beauty and grace and mercy and Salvation behind the great and glorious name of GOD!

I pray we give God’s name the respect it deserves and treat it as if we were walking on holy ground!

May the awesome God of the universe bless you and by His holy name give you peace!

This week’s memorization verse:

YOU SHALL NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD  YOUR GOD IN VAIN, FOR THE LORD WILL NOT HOLD HIM GUILTLESS WHO TAKES HIS NAME IN VAIN. Exodus 20:7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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138 Comments

  1. Emily Powell says:

    Thank you, Yvonne, for this bold post. I flinch every time I hear or see this phrase used in the wrong way.

  2. Rosanne Hodgens says:

    I enjoyed reading your post about OMG. I am a Christian and would never use God’s name in vain. I have said “Oh my goodness”, before. Maybe OMG means just that to some.

  3. I agree 100%. It makes me sick to hear people say that in person and on TV.

  4. How convicting this Sunday morning! I was just thinking last night about a cutesy name for a coffee bar at church. Although I must admit the first time I saw it used at another church, I was uneasy. Thank you for confirming my thoughts that it really is irreverent to use God’s name so casually.

  5. I worked at an outdoor wildernesses intervention program for troubled teens for many years. Since they weren’t allowed to use profanity sometimes they would say “Jesus Christ “ in a very irreverent way, which wasn’t considered profanity. Whenever I heard this I would calmly ask “oh are you praying?” If you’re not praying, please don’t say that!

  6. Thank you, Yvonne, for defending the NAME and character of our holy, almighty God. I agree heartily, and you have encouraged me to do the same. God bless you!

  7. You spoke words from my heart. God’s name and to be honored. Thank u for this post

  8. I was happy to read your post about “omg”. Most people have no idea what they are saying when they use that term. It is an insult to God. As Christians we need to be careful & watch what we say as well.Thanks for that lesson.

  9. Great post! I will monitor myself this week.

  10. Daisy Dianne Bromlow says:

    Thank you for standing up for God, we all need to be more alert to the things of this world that belittles God. Love your blog and enjoy reading your posts about God. Have a God filled day.

  11. Thank you so much for this post. I, too, hate to hear God’s name and Jesus’ name taken in vain. I was taught it was never to be done. All the years I taught school, I would never let my students do that and I actually made a big deal of stopping them from doing it. I told them it WOULD NOT happen in my class room and why. They never did it but once.

  12. Mary Ellen Caris says:

    Yes! What an important message, cannot stand it either! Just think, the UNIVERSE was formed by what? Words! What’s another Name for Jesus? THE Word. And we have been duped into believing our words don’t matter? Satan laughs at our naivety at best, foolishness at worst. And to be a fool, is no slight matter, just read Proverbs! Next week, you can do another post about the word “awesome” 😉

  13. Thank you Yvonne! I agree with you 100%. I always find it very upsetting to hear people and especially children saying that. I applaud you in saying something to the woman in line. May we all be so bold and stand up for our Lord’s name. May you have a blessed Lord’s day

  14. Thank you for this post, Yvonne! It drives me nuts when people so casually say, or text OMG! I even got an e-mail from QVC of all places, that said OMG you won’t want to miss this sale!
    And good for you for standing up for Jesus when the woman in the line so casually took the Lords name in vain.

  15. Debbie Futhey says:

    Yvonne, It was well said and needed to be said. I cringe when my customers say it or when some even in my family say it. You taught us with tact and love. Thank you! Blessings on this Lord’s Day.

  16. Thank you Yvonne! Agree! Amen! I made a call to a call center to make a purchase over the phone for my job. When the sales person picked up the phone I heard him say, “ J…. C…..!”
    I said immediately” Hey, your speaking about someone I love!” Pause….”sorry”…..was the response.
    It is literally painful to hear people use His name like that!
    You have spured me on! Thank you!

  17. Elizabeth Murphy says:

    Thank you! This is one of my pet peeves! It doesn’t seem many parents teach this anymore. We do need to be outspoken and defend the Lord’s name when we hear it used in such a way. How we choose to name a child is important as well.

  18. Children are lambasted with this constantly…
    I allow my gosh & they little ones will quickly change if they have slipped up.
    The more we work on understanding why the easier it will become.

  19. Thank you, Yvonne, for your explanation on how I’ve always felt about this phrase and any other use of our Lord’s name in a vain way. This bothers me more than a string of four letter words!

  20. Theresa at Winterberry Lane says:

    Thank you Yvonne for speaking up! Our words we say means much, I too cringe when I hear the Lord’s holy name taken in vein. Blessings to you and thanks again.

  21. Amen. Thank you for being courageous enough to speak up and speak out on this subject.

  22. Amen sister! Thank you for putting us in check about our mouths. Everything is not cute, we’ve become too carefree with our speech.

  23. Amen! Most of the population says it all the time and i just cringe.

  24. Thank you for sharing this message today. I feel exactly the same every time I hear or see those letters. We need to stand up, as you did, when we hear our Lords name taken in vain. Keep Shining!

  25. I love your Sunday postings, Yvonne. Thank you for this latest one. God is jealous for His name and He says so multiple times in His Word. Another one is “Oh Lord” – even used by many Christians, especially here in the South. Although a title, and not specifically a name of God, it is irreverent, so falls into the same category, unless one is calling on Him as a form of address. Your comment to the lady in your store line – love it.

  26. Roz Bradford says:

    AMEN to that! Our Father, the God of gods, Lord of lords is worthy of our praise and respect.

  27. Yvonne, I so agree with you. Thank you for your boldness in defending the Lord’s name.
    Blessings to you.

  28. Great point and well said. To often we forget that God is glorious in all things and He is to be honored not disrespected in our every day walk.

  29. Christina Maze says:

    Thank you for such a powerful reminder of not only the holy and beautiful meaning of God’s name, but also that Satan hides in cuteness and beauty also.

    Thank you. You have blessed my life today.

  30. Denise Vickery says:

    I so agree with you!!! Every time I hear some use his name in vain I praise His name in my head but really maybe I should do it out loud?

  31. Yvonne, Thank you for sharing this, I am 60 years old, and when I was a teeny bopper, there was a new girl who all the girl’s in my school thought was cool,she used those words, which back then wasn’t even part of the language! I remember saying it once and my parents told me in no uncertain terms was I to use that phrase again! When I was in my twenties, I worked as a part time art teacher in a Catholic School, and by that time the phrase had permeated into the students language! I prayed about it, and the only thing I felt I could do with God’s help was to stop them from using it in the Art Room. I wrote on the board , My God is awesome, I will not take his name in vain! If any child used that phrase in the Art room they would have to stand and read what I wrote on the board, prayerfully some of my students may feel the same way I did when my parents pointed out how wrong it was and prayerfully your writing it on your blog will help more people to realize it! Thank you for giving to the Lord!

  32. Kay Little says:

    My husband said the same words to our children when they left the house. To this day he still does…now to the grandchildren. It has to be a revelation of who God is for people to know how dangerous it is to use those words. It saddens me every time I see them. Thanks for your pst and your boldness to get the message out there. Praise Jesus!

  33. Sandi from Wisconsin says:

    Very well written post! How wonderful that you addressed the woman in line who used God’s name incorrectly. And you did it in such a nice way, too! You practice what you preach, Yvonne, and God is proud of you! Thank you for opening up our eyes to the glory of God’s name. I stand behind you 100 percent on using God’s name in a respectful way always!

  34. Carol Matthews says:

    Yvonne – your opinions are powerful because you explain them so well, thank you!
    (And I shop just like you do – perhaps we could not go shopping together sometime!) 😀

  35. Ginger Valdes says:

    I know many folks from the south and in Texas that say oh my gosh or oh my goodness, and type omg when texting, so I know it’s not ALWAYS about taking His name in vain.

  36. This seems to be a popular saying these days, another sign of the moral decline we are all seeing around us. Let us as mother’s and grandmother’s join forces to pray daily for our children and grandchildren.

  37. Barbara Ann says:

    Thanks so much, Yvonne, for the reminder. I have cringed watching television programs like the reveals on HGTV with people repeatedly using the Lord’s name in vain to express their surprise.

    Our relationship with our Father is not casual, though it is a very loving one. Blessings to you.

  38. Annabelle says:

    I worked with someone who always used God’s name as an expression of surprise. I didn’t know how to approach her to let her know my thoughts about what she was doing. One day it just came to me….as soon as she said “OMG” I put my hands together in the form of praying and said “are we going to pray now?”
    It finally came to her what I was saying. I did this several times….she finally stopped saying this (in front of me anyway).

    I also pick up pennies on the street and when asked why I respond “The name of God is on that penny and I don’t want anyone to step on His name.” I now see friends pick up pennies also.

    1. I love this Annebelle! I will try to remember to fold my hands now. Actually this made me laugh. What a pleasant way to remind or share with others. When I was a teen, I babysat for a woman who wouldn’t allow her children to say “gee whiz” – she said it sounded too much like “Jesus” and was taking the Lords name in vain. I was not churched or a Christian at that time, but many years later I am a Christian and God reminded me. This grieves me too to see or hear omg – as it grieves the Holy Spirit. Omg – even as “gosh” to me, should be avoided. Thank you Yvonne for such a poignant message.

  39. Rhonda Dorris says:

    Well said, Yvonne and thank you for reminding us regarding our speech and conduct, afterall, we are princesses who serve the most high king and Lord over all. I cannot imagine standing before Him guilty in any way. It can become a habit given by the world, but only God can help one break the chain of sin.

  40. anne cody says:

    I have to admit I did cringed when I saw your email with OMG in the subject line

  41. Thank you for this post, I want to cringe when I hear it said. Seems to me the more animosity towards God in the world today, the more they use his name in vain.

  42. Yvonne, You did an excellent job of explaining why this is phrase is so offensive to God and why it should be to all people. It has become such a common phrase in our culture when people are surprised about something. It would be so much better if instead, we said, Oh, man! It does pain me when I hear God’s name used in vain and physically jolts my body and soul. While paining me, it shouldn’t shock me as it does and we know there will be a day when all will rightly acknowledge our great and mighty God. I want to be as loving and as bold as you are my sister and stand with you for God’s glorious name to be honored, for I am not ashamed of the gospel.

  43. I won’t use that even in a text because most people will read it as god even though they know I don’t. Thanks for expressing my thoughts.

  44. Thank you, thank you, thank you. And you know what that means when something is said three times, right? When I was growing up I was taught to bow my head slightly at the mention of Jesus‘s Name.( A nod to Philippians 2:10) I still find myself doing that at the age of 64 and a smile every time. Your post was bold, honest, much needed and much appreciated.
    He is worthy of all respect, honor, and glory.
    Many blessings to you and all that you do.

    1. I was taught the same thing; I’m 67 and educated in parochial school 🙂

  45. I thought I was only person irked by that expression. Ruins the big reveal on home improvement shows when they say it, although they mean no offense by it.

  46. Anne Martin says:

    Amen! I have felt this way about the use of that pharse for a long while. Thank you for a great post. Now if only more people would get the message. Keep up your great work.

  47. Thank you for speaking this truth so passionately and eloquently. It has become so commonplace even among Christians. I pray I can speak truth given the opportunity

  48. Thanks, Yvonne — Such a good post!

  49. Amen! Thank you so much for posting this! I am so happy to see so many other people on here feel the same way as me also about that horrible use of God’s holy name that is so common now days. I have emailed businesses which have that phrase in their advertising and told them how offensive it is and that I will not be patronizing them anymore if they continue to use it.

  50. Oh I cringe inside when I hear our Lord’s name profaned.

  51. Thank you for these words. It resonates with my heart. In just sixth grade my class wrote a play and my line said O Lord. My mom made me change it for it was taking the Lord’s name in vain. I told my teacher who agreed. It opened my eyes to this. Nowadays this is so common. His precious name is used all the time and no one seems to know what you’ve so clearly explained.
    Thank you for pointing this out.
    Blessings on your Fathers Day.

  52. Thank you for your courage in speaking up. That phrase is everywhere and we, too, find it distasteful. I doubt most people using the phrase even think about its meaning. Sad.

  53. Thank you for sharing this important message. It was very well expressed and I share your sadness.

  54. Shirley Dykema says:

    As children growing up we were never allowed to say that or use Jesus name in casual ways. But beyond that my parents didn’t allow words like golly, gee, or even “oh my goodness” b/c they said it was slang & just a substitute for saying God’s name(s). I’ve seen some use OMWord* as a sub but I know my Mother would say we don’t need all those extra slang words b/c they just substitute for swear words. And God knows what we are saying & doing. When I became an adult I was happy my parents were so strict about our speech. When I hear it used it sounds cheap & crass & I would like to rise above that.
    It hurts my heart when I see it or hear it also. (as on reveals on HGTV)
    * reflecting now on John’s gospel spelling out thatJesus was the Word & the Word was God, etc.

  55. You have a wonderful platform to connect with women on several levels. You are using it well.

  56. Yvonne, I so agree with all your statements. I cringe and am sickened when I hear this. Thank you for your writing this and speaking out for our precious Lord’s name.

  57. Thank you, Yvonne, for bringing up this timely issue. It makes me cringe when I hear it or see it in print. I take my loving and saving Lord’s name very seriously.

  58. Thank you! That is also something troubling to me! I was also taught that the words “gosh” and “golly” were words people used in substitution of God’s name.

  59. Patti Roemer says:

    Amen and Thank You! I just know that when you see Jesus face to face, He will say “Well Done Good & Faithful Servant”…

  60. MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) says:

    Great post, Yvonne, and I thought your response to “OMG” to the lady behind you in line was excellent! Hopefully, this would give her something to think about on her way home. This is such a common outburst these days and it really bothers me, too. Next time I hear this, I’m going to use your response! I have also used the response: “Don’t talk about my Friend that way” — and this works, too!

    Have a blessed week!

  61. That is a bible verse I learned at a young age that I’ve never forgotten. To this day, at the age of almost 74, I cringe when I hear the Lord thy God’s name used in vain.
    I am appalled that this pillow is being manufactured and appalled that retailers choose to sell it in their stores.

    So proud of you for speaking up!
    We must continue to spread God’s word.

  62. Thanks for sharing this, Yvonne! Amen and Amen!

  63. Thank you, Yvonne, for putting this much needed message out there! This is so important, and I posted the link to my Facebook page so that others may know the sacredness of our Lord’s Holy Name. God bless you.

  64. Laura Harrie says:

    Yvonne, your post today is needed to be said and read by everyone! We owe God respect!
    Thank you for sharing what was on your heart, you were bold in speaking up and writing this post!
    Continue to share your wisdom.

  65. Kathy Alford says:

    I just started subscribing to your blog about 2 or 3 days ago, and I am so glad I did. I didn’t know at that time that you are a believer. Thank you for the stand you are making for our Lord and His beautiful Name. How many times have we heard O…M…G… or just the initials and cringed because the speaker had no idea how profane it was. Once again, thank you for this timely blog.

  66. Yvonne, thank you so much for your post today. My daughter, who has Down syndrome, refuses to say that phrase or to purchase anything with that acronym on it. I feel blessed by her Godly wisdom. And, I was blessed when I read your blog!

  67. Katherine says:

    Thank you! This message needs to be spread near and far! Even little children are saying it. When my daughters were teens their friends would say it and they also started it, but I put a stop to it right away and explained why.

    So happy to see you take a stand, you can reach a lot of people!

    Katherine

  68. JC at the uncommon pearl says:

    Amen and AMEN! Thank you for your boldness and integrity.

  69. You Are so right. Our children are being slowly swayed from what is right to what is wrong. It is very sad to see. Amen

  70. Thank you for the this. May HIS name be praised!!

  71. Teresa Jordan says:

    This was so such a wonderful post and thank you for reminding us all, I do not use that phrase but I know many people do then they send a text or message people and I think maybe they do not know what they are saying. Thank you for blessing me today.

  72. christel vogel says:

    You are so right, and the casual saying of these and other names desensitizes even the finest person out there who otherwise would be shocked to think they were abusing the commandments. When my daughter was little, she would not even let us say “Jeez” as she said it might be ‘short for Jesus, and that’s wrong” !! Now she is a grown up engineer at an Air Base and she has a ‘cuss jar’ on her desk for when the whoops! moments come; you have to put a quarter in the jar! (given to charity) when she hears profanity (kind of often) she says “Excuse me??” and there you go, the guys (it’s all men) say “Put a quarter in the jar, Kelly will not rest until you do that” IT’s a reminder that, even in the workplace, it COUNTS to keep your mouth pure.

  73. Amen and amen!! I have followed your blog for several years, but don’t comment frequently. This post is surely worth commenting. I, too have a visceral, physical reaction when I hear someone use the Lord’s name in vain. I was planning to take 2of my grandsons to see Incredibles 2, a children’s movie, (PG rating) so I checked online for any content that would be inappropriate for them (or me). The secular website I checked referred to “only minor cursing: damn & hell). A Christian-based website, however pointed to the vilest curse of all—the Lords name taken in vain. It is a sad, sad commentary on our culture when we not only have to check content of animated films, but then learn that Disney-Pixar has indeed chosen to include content that no child should become desensitized to!

  74. Yvonne many years ago when working at a hospital I was coming to my ward through the back loading bay, there was a young chap working there and when I appeared he got such a fright that he exclaimed Jesus and I promptly said, “No no it is just me”. He looked so embarrassed and suddenly realised what he had done. You are right we should speak up.

  75. Adele LeChien says:

    Perfectly said. Thank you for pointing this out to a generation who seems to be lost to the truth of the Word of God. Wise council.

  76. Robin Jones says:

    Thank you for honoring God’s holy name. It saddens me also to see how common it is in our culture to disregard God and flippantly use His name like slang. The one positive thing I can see come out of the darkness that is our culture is how much brighter the light of His people will shine.

  77. I can’t let this post go by without commenting! I wish I could give you a big ol’ high five and then a hug! I love that you brought this to light! It hurts my ears and my heart whenever I hear this phrase as well! So thankful you are addressing this!

  78. Barbara F says:

    Yvonne, I’m joining with all the others in applauding you for taking a stand on not using God’s name in vain. I hate that OMG has become such a common expression. Thank you for speaking out.

  79. I read many of your Sunday blog posts but this one is perhaps my favorite. It speaks to the me because I was taught to not use the LORD THY GOD’s name in vain. It is for that belief that I always use all caps when I write any reference to OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN. It is a respectful acknowledgment of HIS position in my life. I just wish and pray that many others would take our position and truly stop using HIS name in VAIN. I wish your article could be published in every newspaper, manual, news report and other publications to spread the word. THANK YOU FOR THIS ARTICLLE.

  80. Yes! We must revere the name of our Lord.

  81. Marcy Leonard says:

    Thank you, Yvonne! My feelings exactly!

  82. Yes! May the name of God be praised Forever and ever!

  83. Yes! Thanks for this message. We are bombarded thru society and often words and actions are so common place, we don’t stop to THINK about them. A wonderful reminder to keep focused on Christ and not be desensitized to what is happening around us.

  84. So thankful for you, Yvonne. And this is why you are my favorite blogger. You always give God the glory and the praise.

  85. Deborah Hunter says:

    Thank you for your message. I, too am very offended when I hear the taking of God’s name in vain. My Heavenly Father has given me the greatest gift , his Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ has given me the wonderful gift of the Atonement. There is no other knowledge more important to me in my life than this.

  86. Deb McNelly says:

    When I first started reading this about being a lone wolf shopper I felt validated about being that way and encouraged to continue with my same practice of shopping that way, BUT when you continued on about the OMG pillow and further with our Lord’s scripture and what it means I could feel the tears starting up with praise for him.Your explanation of his words and commandment are so needed in being expressed loud and clear. So many need to hear this that just may not know what they are saying and the consequences.
    May God bless you and keep you in your teaching of his word (and sharing your decorating too!) ~ Deb

  87. Carol Neibling says:

    My shopping is go in and get what you need and that’s it because I now have an invalid husband who like to get out of the house, so I take him to the grocery store where they have electric carts and he gets to help pick out things he likes.

    As for swearing I can hardly tolerate it and in a woman or girl I tell the it isn’t lady like. Thanks for your blog.

  88. Michele M (Finch Rest) says:

    I shop as you do – exactly.

    Did you find your all white quilt? Believe it or not a great place to find them- get this- Cracker Barrel!!! As for the pillow, I agree with you on that too.

    But OMG can be “Oh my gosh, oh my golly or as my MIL says oh, my glory!”

    That’s how we say it and think it, so hopefully others will learn to do the same – for you are giving good advice about the Bible and it’s warnings. Don’t want to anger our Creator, that’s for sure!

    God’s peace and mercy be with you always. Hugs. ♥

  89. Michele Rager says:

    Thank you so very much for all your posts, but this one in particular!!! This “saying” bothers me so much, it breaks my heart…and makes me sad when I hear people use or, or read it in print!!! I know most of the time it’s used without people even knowing what they are saying. Your explanation is so good. Going to share!!! Thanks again! (Also, totally same kind of shopper as you…good to hear I’m not the only one.) God bless all of your work…what you put your hands too. It helps so many of us!!

  90. Alex Shaw says:

    I could not agree more! I also get physically ill when I hear this saying thrown around loosely. Even though I use texting shortcuts, I refuse to use this one. GOD is a holy name any way you use it so to use it so carelessly is wrong. Thank you for sharing.

  91. Suzanne Pope says:

    Name above all names! Jesus.

  92. I want to thank you for this passage you shared today! God knew how very much I needed this. God bless you and your family!

  93. Thank you so much for posting this. I agree whole-heartily! xxoo

  94. Hi Yvonne, my name is Deborah and I visit your amazing website often. Thank you for sharing so much external beauty but more importantly, thank you for sharing internal beauty! I sometimes feel as though I am the only one who hears this phrase from people using it as if the name of the Lord means nothing at all! Thanks be to God that the Holy Spirit put this in your heart. Thank you for sharing this godly wisdom because we truly need it.

    In His Amazing Grace,

    Deborah

  95. Christi Wallander says:

    Excellent!

  96. Yvonne, thank you for your sweet, bold testimony in defense of our Lords name. I think 99% of the world is totally clueless about this and sadly, it rolls off the tongues of children just as readily as adults anymore. Keep on keeping on!

    1. I so agree Paula! I really don’t think people mean to curse God. But they sadly do

  97. Marsha VanVleet says:

    Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou! You are so right! It hurts my heart deeply when I hear the Lord’s name taken in vain. Bless you.

  98. Valerie Evans says:

    I was so excited to read your post today! This is a subject that is not readily taught in our society. I hope all of your readers truly read this article and realize that God is holy and his name is precious. Thank you!

  99. Teri Beaver says:

    AMEN Yvonne! Thank you for this…I too have a physical reaction to hearing OMG and in fact make a point of changing it to OMGoodness but you are so right…as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ I should always boldly stand up for my God. Blessings.

    1. Suzanne King says:

      Actually using any of God’s attributes lightly is takingHis name in vain!

  100. Mary Nell Harding says:

    Oh, you are my kind of shopper! I can shop for my home and yard better than any other kind of shopping, but I would never list shopping as one of my favorite things to do. And, like you, let me go in the store, find what I need, pay, and get home!

    But, the more important part of your message was the OMG. I, too, am bothered by this and wish it would just go away. I hope that your readers will take this message to heart and take a stand against it’s use, as well as other ways we fail to honor God’s name.

    Thank you.

  101. You certainly have a lot of support on this post, your audience adores you. But I have to say it was off-putting for me. Not everyone is a believer, nor will they be educated in your religion. To correct someone else doesn’t show respect for their beliefs either. Neither way is right.

    1. Lauren, with respect, this is my blog and my thoughts. If they offend you then just don’t read them.

      What is right? There has to be an authority by which we know right from wrong. Relativism is proven wrong by its own premise that what is morally right for you may not be for me.
      I pray God’s blessing over you today!

      1. Suzanne King says:

        Excellent comment. The one and only true God must be exalted!

  102. Joanie McLaughlin says:

    I couldn’t agree with you more. It’s so sad how this has became a normal part of so many’s everyday language.

  103. Robin Totten says:

    Thank you for this post! I was raised with the truth of this teaching and am greatly troubled at the common use of God’s Name in our society today.

  104. Thank you so much!! Your words are so very true!!
    May you always have the blessings of our Heavenly Father!!!! ????

  105. Janna Conrad says:

    Thank you for this timeless and timely message! It hurts my heart to hear the Lord’s name taken in vain and it has become so common. I was surprised when my sweet little nine year old Sunday school class did not think saying “omg” was wrong when we discussed Moses and the 10 Commandments last week.

  106. Barbara Ballard says:

    Thank you, Yvonne! I so agree…. I can’t think of anything else that makes me cringe more than using our Lord’s name in vain!

  107. OMG: everyone’s interpretation is different.

  108. Mary Ruth Whetsel says:

    I think and your site are beautiful! Thank you so much for this important article about not taking our Lord’s name in vain. I have thought this same thing for a very long time.

    May you be truly blessed this day!

  109. Timely thought. I cringe when I hear ‘Oh my God’ unless it is some frightful/emergency situation. People just really don’t think about it. But I really hate to hear it. I also acknowledge that there are a whole lot of other totally tacky (and obscene) expressions that could be used, but still . . .

  110. Brenda Clark says:

    Thank you! I am new to your blog and love it. This article resonated with me. OMG or saying it with the full wording makes me cringe. We are a Christian home and it is not part of our vocabulary. I have a 12 yr old son who is starting to say it and it breaks my heart. He doesn’t say it around me, and when he does, I stop him and explain to him it is taking the Lord’s name in vain. Unfortunately, in the secular world it’s “just a saying.” I explain to him, if he can control it around me, it’s a habit that can be stopped. I pray everyday the Lord will speak to his heart and it will cease to be a part of his vocabulary. I find it curious you never hear someone say Oh my Allah, or Oh my Buddha, why use the Lord’s name? I asked someone that question and his response was “that would be sacrilegious.” It broke my heart.

    1. Brenda, I just prayed for your son. It is not just a saying. It is really blaspheming! You are right to show him why these words should not be part of his vocabulary!

  111. Ann B White says:

    Thank you for this post, so important! It is used too much, I find it very upsetting, I pray people will lean to respect the names of God!

  112. Bruce Tatarsky says:

    I believe, just because the world accepts using the Lord’s name in vain, does not mean I have to accept this. God’s name is holy: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. We exist to hollow God’s name, it is our goal.