By: Terry Allen
Lucille “Big Mama” Allen, my grandmother, was a woman who didn’t mince words. She lived by scripture and taught us to do the same. For her, “Do not take the name of the Lord your God in vain” (Exodus 20:7) was more than about cussing or careless words—it was about not misusing God’s authority for selfish gain. Big Mama believed the worst sin was wrapping evil in holy language.
Today we are living in a combatant climate where God’s name is tossed around as a weapon. Leaders, politicians, and even some media figures call on the Lord, but not to heal or unify—they use His name to divide, to justify cruelty, and to cover their own agendas. They preach “values” on one side of their mouth and spit venom at whole communities with the other. They call it righteousness, but it’s nothing more than hypocrisy dressed up in church clothes.
Look at George Floyd—his breath stolen under a knee, while some twisted scripture to defend the indefensible. And then look at voices like Charlie Kirk, who stand on platforms claiming God’s authority while speaking down on diverse people made in God’s image. He and others like him are exalted by followers who lift their words as if they are holy writ, but in truth, they are using God’s name in vain. And the danger is clear: when you weaponize the Lord’s name, the hate you unleash does not stay contained. It spreads, it harms, and eventually it consumes. Here is a fact: the circumstances of your death does not exonerate the life you lived.
Big Mama used to say, “Baby, God don’t need no bodyguards. He sure don’t need liars carrying His name like a weapon.” She was right. God is love, justice, and mercy. Anything else parading as holy is counterfeit. My faith tells me we cannot sit silent while God’s name is dragged through the mud to justify hate. George Floyd’s cry for breath revealed injustice. The rise of voices like Charlie Kirk reveals hypocrisy. Both remind us that God is not mocked, and when His name is used in vain, the reckoning is real.
Big Mama said it plainly: Don’t you dare take God’s name in vain. That commandment still stands. And Lord knows, this world needs the reminder now more than ever.
Terry Allen is an NABJ award-winning Journalist, DEI expert, PR professional, and founder of the charity – Vice President at FocusPR, Founder of City Men Cook, and Dallas Chapter President of NBPRS.org
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