A smart phone arose with advancements in
technology. Really? Wouldn’t the intelligence of an electronic be
in the hands of the operator? Anyways,
time came for my slide out to hit the road and get upgraded. I decided on a smart phone ‘because everyone
else had one’. This small piece of
equipment challenged my intelligence.
The adjective ‘smart’ began to make sense now. Funny thing. . .the brain behind the phone is
female (just sayin’). Her name is
Siri. She knows everything, if not, she
directs you to various sources to find an answer. I have come to like this woman; for she helps
me navigate the phone features, directs routes and dials numbers.
I found texting difficult. A screen, smaller than an index card,
displays the alphabet and area to type the conversation. My club fingers often hit unwanted letters or
auto correct chooses an undesired word. In
comes that smart woman Siri to help! I
tap a small microphone, speak and she transcribes. After doing so, I must edit her work. She processes at least one word wrong with
each conversation, changing the whole idea.
I often think I would be better off to take an hour and type my own
words or wash my hands of the whole text and call the person. I experience a love/hate relationship with Siri. Miscommunication causes confusion and
undesired emotions.
She will also answer questions efficiently. Often times, my family and I play games with
Siri by asking silly questions just to hear her response. She kicks back with an answer, but not always
seeing the humor in our game. Only one
way she processes information – literally.
Being an electronic device, humor or sarcasm cannot be detected. Confusion sets in, followed by ignoring. Our conversation ends when she refuses to
process any more of our questions. Her
emotions get in the way of seeking out what we truly mean in our conversation
(remember, she is female). The game ends
with both sides left in confusion and no desire to speak to one another. Miscommunication causes frustration and
undesired emotions.
Relate this one to life. Nowadays, visiting a friend, calling on the
phone, writing a letter or meeting for lunch (not for work) rarely occur. We replace such events with emails, texts,
skyping or conversing through social media.
Transcription of words shared among cyber/techno world lay in the minds
of the recipient. Using a third party
such as Siri, computer, another person or a microphone attached to the device
increases risk for miscommunication.
Like the game ‘telephone’ played years ago, the message may transcribe
into undesired words. Without meeting in
person to explain or edit the words, the recipient could become confused and
frustrated. A simple statement written
with love may be construed as apathetic.
If tension already exists or feelings are on one’s sleeve, words sent
via cyber world process completely different than intended. Emotions get in the way of seeking out true
meaning of conversations. All results
with both confused, frustrated and consumed with undesired emotions.
The cycle can be eliminated, corrected and
prevented. How? Let us turn to the One true Source for a
solution. The One Who processes
perfectly, knows our hearts, requires no editing and listens intently. . .
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may
know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:4-6)
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but
only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may
benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)
“But now you must also rid yourselves of
all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and
filthy language from your lips.”
(Colossians 3:8)
Pray before
communicating. May your words be guided
by God. The risk for miscommunication
decreases when you place God in the middle.
Our words pack meaning as Christians.
We set the example of what Jesus would say in every situation. Carefully choose your words and the tone in
which you speak. Let Him be the only
third party source used! Look closely. .
.did you see the word conversation? This
implies oral communication. The best way
to connect and discuss with one another is in person. Don’t let an important discussion occur in cyber/techno
world.
Wholesome talk
produces healing. Anger cannot exist in
the presence of Truth and words spoken in His name. Process your own emotions before conveying
them in conversation with another. Think
about how the other feels and choose words to reach an agreement on a
situation. Edit before speaking and
assure that the words spoken clearly state what you feel. Get rid of cyber/techno conversations. Save them for simple, to the point statements
(“be home in five”, “meet you in ten”, etc.).
Don’t let Siri control your words.
Don’t leave processing up to the recipient. Converse in person or by telephone, allowing
the recipient to hear or see your heart and process your words the way you
intend.
And as always. . .
Keep praying harder
than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig
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