Take a Walk With Me

Take a walk with me down a new train of thought.

This morning I was reading some research about reading and came across some information about how our brains turn print into language.  The idea that sent fireworks exploding in my brain is the very last step when words receive meaning:  “Reading a word such as stagger, limp, or tiptoe activates the motor areas in the brain that are involved in controlling the legs and feet, whereas reading a word such as chop or carve activates those controlling the hands.  Whereas understanding a sentence about eating activates the areas related to gustatory sensations, understanding a visual description activates areas of the visual cortex (Adams, 2011, p. 8).

I began to think about what happens when we read the Bible.  What does reading words like rest, peace, love, trust, and spirit do to our brains?  What kind of connections are forged?  Just some food (activate gustatory sensations) for thought (activate thinking areas) this morning.

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103

Samuels, J. & Farstrup, A., Editors (2011). What research has to say about reading instruction.  Neward, DE:  International Reading Association.