I learned a new word during Sunday night’s Super Bowl game.
“Kaepernicking”
Colin Kaepernick, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, has become a verb. “Kaepernicking” refers to the athlete’s iconic, celebratory, end-zone bicep kiss. Although Kaepernick did not invent the upper arm lip press, he did make it famous.
“Kaepernicking” – Larry Brown Sports photo
Of course my favorite “verbed” athlete is Tim Tebow. Call me sentimental, but I get emotional when I see pics of Tebowing high school students trending on Twitter. (By the way, “trending” is another “verbed” noun.)
“Tebowing” – Larry Brown Sports photo
The verb forms of Colin Kaepernick and Tim Tebow reveal what’s important to each of them. The verbs show us something about the character of the Nouns.
According to Kaepernick, he started the bicep kiss in response to criticism over the highly visible tattoos on his arms. “Kaepernicking” visibly states that he has the freedom to express himself as he wishes.
“Tebowing” describes Tim Tebow’s practice of dropping down on one knee to thank God. And he’s not shy about doing it in the middle of a NFL football game. “Tebowing” gives glory to God for the successes and failures.
What if you were “verbed?”
If what was important to you – your character, your priorities, the way you live your life – were summed up in one verb, what would it express?
I’ve been thinking about this since Sunday. If “Kathying” began to trend, why would people do it?
I hope people would “Kathy” when they dug deep into God’s Word. Or when they shared the truth of His Word with others. Or when they slowed down to show God’s love to someone else. I would want “Kathying” to be a disciple of Christ in action.
To be honest though, “Kathying” might mean you sit at your desk in your pajamas until noon. Or that you visited Starbucks twice in one day.
“Kathying?”
God’s desire for me – and for you – is that we look like His Son. So ultimately, “Kathying” or “Youing” should remind people of Jesus.
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18
What about you? What do you hope your verb would represent? In reality, what might your verb express?
Oh, Kathy, this made me smile.
Upon further reflection, though, I can honestly say some of my circle would see “Elaine-ing” as synonymous with being joyful. When I was so uncharacteristically sad these past few weeks –not from illness but from natural grief, an emotion I think we try to quell too soon–I lost count of the friends who said, “You’re not yourself.” I was being my “self”–albeit a sadder version. When I have pneumonia, I’m a weaker version. When I’m content and embracing God’s fullness of life, I hope I’m a version of myself that reflects His glory, too.
And when I’m in my pyjamas until noon, drinking coffee, well, then, too! 🙂
All this to say: I want to be known as a woman of joy and contentment, but may we reflect Christ’s love and Life and beauty whatever we’re doing (or feeling).
Great post. Thank you, my friend.
Elaine, I would most certainly agree that “Elaineing” would mean joy to everyone! Thank you for reflecting God’s joy to the people around you!
What would it mean to be “Ginaing”? It would mean a sonic coke with extra ice, mommy to four, wife to one, and servant to the king. It would understand that life is messy, laundry is always there to step over…and grace is abundant…
People would say that “Ginaing” is a sonic coke always on the go. With many projects on her plate. I think they would say I am friend and caring. but always a step away from burnout…
Great post! Good food for thought!
Hi Gina! Thanks for sharing “Ginaing” with us! Although I’m a few years past it, I understand that picture. Sounds like “Ginaing” is a Christian mom on the go who also cares for the people God has put in her life! Love it!