This week’s wonderful word is…

PACHYDERM

As I perused a list of words looking for one that was fun and that I could write a blog post about, I came across PACHYDERM.

O.K., I thought I knew the meaning: an elephant. The definition stated that PACHYDERM referred to thick skinned mammals, including the elephant, the hippo and the rhino.

 It was the alternate definition that snagged my attention: a person who is not sensitive to criticism, ridicule, etc.

I need to become a PACHYDERM. I’m sensitive to criticism. I’m easily hurt by people’s words. In the writing business, you need to be a PACHYDERM. The manuscript that one publisher hates may be the manuscript the next one loves and will pay handsomely for. Think J.K. Rowling. How many rejections did she get before a publisher bought Harry Potter?

 I’m not sure how to go about becoming a PACHYDERM. Prayer would probably be a good place to start – turning everything over to the Lord. So much easier said than done. Remembering that we are all sinners. See previous sentence. Trying to imagine what is going on in that person’s life? As an author, I think I could do that.

In our Sunday evening sermon series, we’re studying the book of James. He has so much to say about the tongue and its destructive powers. People shouldn’t need to become PACHYDERMS around us. I love what Paul says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians [4:29].

Good advice for me to remember as I work on becoming a PACHYDERM about my writing. Let’s be frank – about every aspect of my life.

Are you a PACHYDERM? If so, how do you develop that thick skin? If not, in what areas do you need to become a PACHYDERM?

Write a blog post about PACHYDERM (any definition) or another Wonderful Word that you love. Please link back here so we can all read about it!