Canned Phrases

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I sit in church, listen to the radio, and listen to conversations in real life and realize that people don't really communicate. Most people throw out words, which mean something to them, that are received and interpreted with a completely different meaning by those who hear them. Many of the things are said to evoke an emotional response. Most of it is not received consistent with how it was communicated.

The most annoying thing about it is how often I hear canned phrases. They're akin to the instant meals or self-contained supply kits we buy because we're too lazy or too uneducated to do a good job doing more work. You just pop the tab on a canned phrase, and let it spill out. I hear it in prayers, in speeches, from the pulpit, in the classroom, between lovers (don't get me started on the infernal codicil or the notion that "i love you"), etc. Most of these are throw away lines.

Most canned phrases sound good, but like the foods that come packaged the same way they are either not very filling or not very nourishing to the soul. They are quick and easy, and sometimes they satisfy an emotional need, but there is very little substance to them. Moreover, most of them are calculated to evoke emotions rather than honest affirmations, possibly because if people were really honest they fear they would be rejected. Yes there is that risk, but if you're going to be damned, you might as well be damned for who you really are.

Introducing the new line of products from Running Slug Productions (my company):

Canned Phrases pictures coming soon