Are you reading this post because you happened to read the title and were interested in reading what I was going to say about rock music? Perhaps you got all bent out of shape because I would dare make a statement like this, this post is for you. Keep reading. You have fallen victim to hearing and using the sloppy use of the English language used everyday all around us. You see, this post is not addressing music; rather, it is addressing an observation that I made in a conversation that I had today. You may finish this post and think, “He has too much time on his hands.” Well, go ahead and think that, but hear me out. 
When we use the statement, “I believe in…,” is it really what we are trying to say. For example, if I say, “I believe in God” or “I believe in magic,” what I am saying is I believe that God exists; or I believe that magic exists. However, I don’t think that what a person means when they say, “I don’t believe in rock music” is that they do not believe that rock music exists. If they really believe that, they need to get out more or get a better grip on reality. It does exist. As a matter of fact, it is very prevalent. On the other hand, I think that what they really mean is, “I don’t believe that we should listen to rock music,” or, “I believe that rock music is wrong.” If this is what people think, then why don’t they just say it?
My friend and I were talking today, and he told me that he had a headache. I offered him Advil, but he replied, “No, I don’t believe in Advil.” After talking for a few seconds, I found out that what he really meant was, “I don’t believe that Advil works for me.” I knew that he had enough understanding to know that Advil exists.
“Picky Ricky” you call me? Maybe, but I think that if more people actually thought more about the statements they make, there would be fewer misunderstandings and more common sense in this world. So, do what your mom told you when you were a kid, “Think before you speak.”
A quick disclaimer: I thought that I might mention that I have discovered most of these sloppy speech patterns in myself. So, don’t be surprised if you find any sloppiness here. I am working on it too.
this is “grace at work”
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