Mold (v) – to shape, form or influence.

Mold (n) – furry growth produced especially on damp or decaying organic matter.

Try explaining this word to your friends learning English as a second language!  The contrast in meaning varies depending upon the part of speech it is fulfilling.  As a noun, it can mean a shape or form to create a duplicate or it can mean the nastiest of nasties growing where it shouldn’t.  As a verb, you can also mold clay, dough or people. 

Back in the day, Jell-O^TM molds were quite popular, especially the ones with the suspended fruit cocktail or mixed vegetables.  Kids of today don’t know what they’re missing – Ha! What molds us like Jell-O^TM?  Our parents or adult influences, the environment, even the geography of where our lives begin, all have influence in shaping us.  This is incredibly evident when watching our kiddos and grand-littles growing up.  They are living, breathing sponges, absorbing everything around them.  Even as we get older, we are still in absorption mode. Maybe we are just a little less aware as it’s happening.  What is currently influencing us? 

Mold referring to spores is an overall eewwwwww!  Most mold is not good regardless of its array of colors.  Whether it’s tucked in a container in the back of the fridge or hiding in the walls, mold is a vivid reminder that something has gone very wrong.  Neglect spurs mold.  Stagnation is a catalyst for slimy growth to creep into dark places. 

Mold is both the good and evil of words – we can allow ourselves to be shaped with constructive influences or we can become stagnant, encouraging foulness to take hold.  Might be time to check out the back of the refrigerator.  Perhaps, it’s also a good time to spring clean our daily routines.  Any mold creeping into your life?  What’s molding you?