The One With all the "Y'all"s

I'm originally from Minnesota. In Minnesota we love our "O"s. Y'all -the "O"s matter. Everything we say is in the "O"s. We moved to Georgia 4 years ago now and I noticed somewhere between year 2 and 3, the word "Y'all" started to slip into my stories. I fought it tooth and nail, but it still slipped into my words on occasion. Finally, between year 3 and 4 here, I decided to just embrace it. I figured it's a pretty catchy word after all. Also, it's so convenient and all encompassing. It's such a great way to let everyone know you are talking to all of them. Everyone. All Y'all...you know?

In year 4, I also noticed something. When I say words like "tire" or "fire" - I now tend to have a heavier emphasis on those "I's" in the words. The "I"s have transitioned to "IE"s. And when I say things like "thank you" - the word "you" is sounding just a bit different. It's like there's an extra "E" in the word now. "Yeou".... Rest assured, the "O"s from my Minnesota heritage still come through loud and clear! "Oh, you Betcha they do." Those special Minnesota "O"s are really hard to change in a person. Basically I'm now a Minnesota Georgian and that means I'm even more mixed up than I was before. Oh Lord, have mercy on those you've placed around me in life....

I was reflecting on all this because it really shows how the people around you, the people you surround yourself with, affect and change your life. Right down to the way you speak. I've worked in public since we moved here so I'm constantly talking with those around me and the southern accent has started to slowly creep into my vocabulary. I didn't try to change it. I even fought it at first. It still happened. The people we are around in our lives seep into how we are. They seep into our beings, into who we are, and even into how we talk.

God gave plenty of warning and examples of this showing this is truly what happens in life. Here's just a few:

1 Corinthians 15:33 "Don't be fooled by those who say such things, for 'bad company corrupts good character.'"

Proverbs 12:26 "The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray."

Proverbs 13:20 "Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble."

Proverbs 16:29 "Violent people mislead their companions, leading them down a harmful path.

1 Corinthians 5:11 "I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don't even eat with such people.

Proverbs 22:24-25 "Don't befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul."

Let me be clear that we are indeed supposed to go and seek, make connections, socialize with others, and tell them about Jesus and how much God loves them. If we have accepted Jesus as our Savior, God has transformed us into a light to shine and spread the Word and bring salvation to the ends of the earth. (Acts 13:47, Matthew 28:19-20, and Mark 16:15 are just a few examples of this.) We are, however, supposed to be cautious about who we are letting into our inner core. Who we are letting into our soul. Who are we connecting with on that deep level of intimacy? Those are the people that will essentially affect and change our souls. God tells us so many times over and over again to guard our hearts and minds. Who we trust in our inner circles of life will affect everything. It'll add those Y'alls, "IE"s, and "Yeou"s in when you aren't even paying attention. We are supposed to be diligent and help and encourage each other every single day. The people you choose to let into your soul will affect you and change you. Make sure it's the people God wants for you and that you are being changed for the good of God's Kingdom and purpose, for spiritual growth and maturity, and to finish the race God set before you.

Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend."

Proverbs 18:24 "There are 'friends' who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother."

Proverbs 27:9 "The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense."