Rizz
Word from Wiese
3 January 2024
The conclusion of each year provides countless entertaining retrospects. One such analysis of 2023 emerged from dictionary publisher Merriam-Webster. Out of all the buzz-words of the past 12 months, the one taking honors for word of the year is . . . (drumroll please) . . . . “rizz.” Publishers of the Oxford English Dictionary agreed, citing rizz’s top spot in their online poll.
Since LuAnne and I and our college friends with whom we rang in the new year recognized barely any of the musical guests on the network new year’s eve shows, I always appreciate tutorials about the latest terms, performers, and shows so I don’t seem too antiquated.
So let me throw around my newly acquired hip knowledge of the top term of the year, rizz. Yes, “rizz” can refer to one’s ability to attract romantic partners but rizz also speaks to overall style and charm. Some of you etymologists have already guessed rizz stems from charisma, a term which those dictionary publishers define as “compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others.” But my Christian worldview sparked when I read the second definition, “a divinely conferred power or talent.”
Aha. Now we’re talking! Rizz comes from God. Rizz is a way of talking about the gifts that God gives us—and we’d say–especially at our baptisms. (On January 14, we’ll be baptizing a whole family while remembering Jesus’ baptism. Plus, we’ll give everyone a chance to put a pin in a U.S. map to mark the location of their baptism!). Charisma is the Greek word for gift or favor and is actually a spin off charis, the Greek word for grace.
Wow. So, the top word of 2023 is strongly connected to Christian key words for God given grace, gifts, and favor?! I love it!
At our staff meeting this week, I invited everyone into a Rizz report. We took turns sharing the compelling attributes and attractive approach we saw in each other’s lives. We celebrated each other’s God-given rizz.
Challenge:
Let me challenge you to offer a Rizz Report of your own for those in your life. What’s the rizz you see in your family members or co-workers? What’s a God-given charismatic and attractive aspect of their lives? Can you help them kick off a new year in 2024 with a smile by letting them know about it? First, you can explain what the term rizz is all about. And, secondly, how their rizz shines. Also, can you give yourself a compliment and claim for yourself what you think your unique God-given rizz might be?
In Christ’s hope,
Pastor Fritz
Let us pray.
God, however our language changes across the years and geography, we’re thankful your faithfulness never changes. We’re grateful you lavish us with your grace and gifts, especially at our baptisms, which we’ll affirm next Sunday. Remind us that when we share our God-given rizz, our lives will indeed end up being attractive and helpful to others, as you have designed. Help us be part of a 2024 that is very pleasing to you, O heavenly Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5.16-17
