Watching the news one evening right after the pandemic broke and I found myself finishing every newscaster’s report with G-d forbid and I wondered when did we ever stop saying G-d Forbid?
It is more vital than ever to use those two incredibly mellowing special words. It is a matter of mental health and public safety. Some might argue that to some extent it is a matter of life and death.
Especially with all the not such good news being reported. (This was written soon after Covid broke)
It used to be in our lingo and “slang” and I think that we should bring it back and use it, now more than ever.
G-d forbid is a prayer. It’s reassurance.
If any news is reporting about, G-d forbid, surges in hospitalizations or an impending storm brewing over the Atlantic, then ending the ‘presumptive’ and ‘worst-case-scenario’ report with a ‘G-d forbid’ is a prayer of sorts that may indeed ‘sweeten the judgment’.
The G-d forbid is like a silent prayer to the One above and is also a nod of reassurance to the person listening that things will work out, because G-d is good and nothing bad comes from above and G-d will forbid anything bad to happen.
It’s even more important to say G-d forbid when reporting on negative events which are seemingly (more) out of our control.
I think reporters should say G-d forbid at the end of their assumptive report of a demise that might befall on whomever is listening, G-d forbid.
Saying G-d forbid means you’re being mindful. It’s an act of Kindness on your part and indeed, G-d returns the favor of Kindness with Kindness and will forbid the situation from getting to that point – where G-d forbid was needed to be said and now what becomes necessary to say is Thank G-d.
But some might ask what if someone doesn’t believe in G-d, they might find it offensive when a reporter says G-d forbid. Well, let that person tune out if they want, but most people do believe in G-d. Even if they practice different forms of religion, most people have an innate belief in the one unifying and unique G-d. It’s almost like an understanding, which may come to be expressed in one form or another, but it’s a knowledge that we all share.
But where in a sentence to, G-d forbid, place the G-d forbid?
Well, G-d forbid we should ever have to use this phrase, but where to place it within the sentence, depends on the a few things, such as: the context, the length of the sentence etc.. and is generally left up to the speaker to decide where to interject it.
So, if you decide to re-up and use this phrase, G-d forbid, more often you’ll definitely have my appreciation.
Thank you and G-d bless you!