Wendy Gladney (File photo)
One could say we live in wicked times, literally and figuratively. The word wicked has multiple meanings and could be considered an oxymoron. Depending on who and how it is being used, it could mean something is evil or morally wrong, but if someone refers to something as wickedly good, it usually means extremely good.
Some even use the word as an intensifier, making it super or above average. According to Google and some dictionaries, when using the word wicked, the precise meaning all depends on the tone, region, and context in which it is being used.
The funny thing is the world has a way of making something bad appear good just to please the masses and appeal to popular culture. Psalm 1:1-2 says, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law, he meditates day and night.”
Currently, one of the holiday raves is the movie, “Wicked,” which is the prequel to the movie “The Wizard of Oz.” I have not seen the movie, but several years ago I did see the play. What I find quite fascinating is the movie and play are all about witches, misunderstandings, and how lives can be affected causing people (witches) to go down separate paths.
I will forget about the fact that the movie focuses on witches (whether good or bad) and turn my attention to the fact that wickedness can cause anyone to go down the wrong path due to association.
My grandmother would always say be careful who you run with because whoever has the strongest personality will lead the rest. My husband tells his children, show me who your friends are, and I will tell you what your future will look like.
We absolutely live in a wicked time when innocent people are getting killed for no reason and guilty people are getting off free due to who they are and who they associate with. Do not get it twisted, one day even the wicked will have their judgment day.
As I continued to go down the rabbit trail regarding the movie “Wicked,” as I shared in my initial definition of the word, there can be different messages depending on who is doing the interpretation. Some have referred to it as a movie about friendship and trust as underlying themes.
Others have shared that government and corruption play a heavy theme in the storyline. Since wicked has various meanings and interpretations what could be seen as a bad or negative situation can also be looked at in a positive manner.
It has often been said that entertainment reflects real life, what is happening before our very eyes shows that corruption is everywhere even at the highest level. But I guess you could say, what is new?
Be careful and do not get caught up in the things of the world that may conflict with what you know to be true. I used to tell my children when they were little that right is right if no one is doing it and wrong is wrong even if everybody is doing it.
In sharing my insights about the word “wicked,” I have nothing against the blockbuster movie with the same name, and I am happy that Black actors such as Cynthia Erivo are getting their opportunity to be showcased for their talents.
However, I can’t help but notice a broader pattern: how the world often flips negative words and concepts into something positive, subtly distracting us from what truly matters and the deeper truths we need to focus on
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on.
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.
