What did he mean by that?

Perhaps you missed the news a couple of weeks ago: Merriam-Webster (you know, the dictionary people) announced their “Word of the Year” for 2007. Are you ready? It’s “woot.” Actually, the preferred spelling is “w00t,” with zeroes instead of o’s in the middle. I was already familiar with the word; I have a 16-year-old daughter…plus I’m very, very hip, dontcha know. It’s used as an expression of joy or celebration, sort of how you’d use “Yay!” or “Awesome!," as in: “Woot! The new phonebooks are in!” The word is just one of the terms which has entered common usage from the world of computers and online activities. I still recall some blank looks last year when I told my classes I’d set up a “blog” to keep them informed. “What is a blog?” I was asked several times. I think all of us have become familiar with “spam” in its non-meat context and know what is meant by “Googling.” And maybe you’re comfy talking about how many “gigs” your “thumbdrive” will hold, or the “unboxed” video that’s on your “Tivo.”
Lingo—or jargon—can either make you feel part of a group or make you feel like an outsider to said group. We try here at Riverbend to avoid “insider” language; we don’t talk much about being “saved” or “walking the aisle.” I’ve never heard anyone refer to the Riverbend congregation as “saints.” There’s a reason. We ain’t saints. We’re all people who went searching because we were in pain, we had needs, we wanted love…and we found healing, sustenance and acceptance in the message of grace we heard here. Maybe “grace” is a code word, too, but it’s one that’s worth exploring. Grace is when somebody gives you the most valuable thing in the world, even though you don’t deserve it. Grace is messing up royally and still being loved. Grace is being relieved of the weight of your own guilt. It’s not code; it’s good news … w00t!