Rimshots #20 “The Right Word”

“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter — ’tis the difference between the lightning-bug and the lightning.” Mark Twain (Samuel L. Clemens) HT out-there-q

As a writer I see that as so true, but more so as a Christian. Jesus told his hearers that not one jot or tittle of the law would pass away until everything was accomplished. Each word, each phrase chosen by God for a specific purpose, which to God was lightning for our hearts and lightning bugs to light our way.

Update: I just found this comment that I left at out-there-q and I believe that it applies nicely to this Rimshot. Peter Elbow in “Writing With Power” says something to the effect that when you find the right word and the rest that goes with it you are able to transfer the power of understanding from you to your reader. If you don’t empower your reader you will have failed, not just to create something great but to create anything worthwhile.