“Oui!”

French for “Yes”
pronounced as “We” in English.

Every day I pass by this bright yellow poster on my way to class. It’s an advertisement for people who need help with French, by providing them with assistance and classes given at Concordia University. The ad says:

“Interested in learning French? OUI can help!”

I read it everytime I passed by the advertisement. I would chuckle to myself each time, amazed by how clever it is! The first few times, I read it clearly for my amusement. Then I started to ask myself, why was I so compelled to re-read this advertisement every time even though I knew what it said. It was only the past week when I realized why this line was so powerful.

The power of “OUI”

In English this would translate to: The power of “YES”.
So I’ve been contemplating on the word “YES” and the idea that surrounds the word we so often say but do not realize how important it is.

As I searched the definition of “Yes” on Google, the first thing that popped up was:

EXCLAMATION.
An affirmative response.

Then I thought to myself:
Whenever I say “Yes” do I exclaimed it?
Do I mean it?
Do I embody it?
Do I even know what I’m saying!!!

Then I realized that when I am called to say “Yes” it is only for important things!

The power of “WE”

I found it interesting how every time I say “OUI” (Yes) I am also saying “WE”.

“WE” encompasses all, encompasses us, encompasses community.

I realized that my “OUI” also includes “WE”!

Whenever I say “OUI” to my friends, I am saying yes to the value of “WE”.
The importance of our friendship.

Whenever I say “OUI” to my family, I am saying yes to the value of “WE”.
The importance of family.

Whenever I say “OUI” to service, I am saying yes to the value of “WE”.
The importance of the community.

Whenever I say “OUI” to God, I am saying yes to the value of “WE”.
The importance of my relationship with Christ.

I don’t say “Maybe”
I don’t say “Let me think about it”
I don’t say “If there’s no one else”

I say “OUI” because I value the urgency in the “WE” that I share with God.

” OUI can help!”
Includes diversity instead of division.

In Montreal we have been challenged by the division of language between the English and the French. However, this statement simply and beautifully recognizes the possibility of both.

In Religion we have been challenged by the division of practices, traditions and beliefs.
However, this statement simply and beautifully recognizes how our “OUI” to our faith should in fact recognize our “WE” as human beings, therefore making us all sons and daughters of God.

I was speaking to a brother the other day and he reminded me of
God’s two important commandments.

To love God.
To love others.

Therefore,

Let our “OUI!” EXCLAIM our “WE!”

(Let our ‘yes’ for loving God EXCLAIM our ‘unity’ in Ioving others!)

Amen! 🙂