Peter W. Marty, Editor/Publisher of The Christian Century responded, In this current issue, to a reader who was looking for someone to write, the right words in this time of difficulty. Reflecting on that, I posit that at one time or another—maybe most of us—long for the right words. Especially in times of grief, or great sorrow, very likely you have that special person who can give you the right words you seek.
It has unexpectedly happened to me. In a conversation with my doctor. As we were ending the session, my doctor was paying attention; we had covered the matters I came for. As I was about to leave, she said, “You are grieving.” I thought, “Hey! You are right!” Those are the right words. That statement brought the right words to what I had been feeling for some time—I thought I had dealt directly with this, before. But her words were the right words—enlightening, understanding words.
We live in a multi-sensory bubble. Words, images, and influences buzz around us like hungry Northwoods mosquitoes—sometimes biting as painfully. Then, out of the blue, the right words open a spectrum of insight. Such an occasion happened last Sunday during Youth Day. The context matters, so without diminishing its signifcance, I will only say, one youth speaker concluded with the right words. Her words gave dramatic meaning to the entire worship service.
The right words may not be fancy, lofty words. They are words spoken with insight, heart, compassion, or all of the above. They are spoken by one who hears—in the best sense of the word. Sometimes the most eloquent right words—are no words at all. I think of Old Testament-Job’s friends. They came and sat silently with him in his grief—for days, giving the right words, —silent words—of care, a witness of presence.
I have heard that the greeting, “What’s the good word?” was a response to a pattern of preaching by mainline Protestant preachers in US cities generations ago. For a period of time those preachers’ sermons could be remembered well by a word, central to the sermon. After church, and during the week, people would greet each other with, “What is the good word?” I cannot verify this, but it makes a good story—and parts of that story are verifiable.
Words matter. Words can intimidate or inspire. Use words wisely; with care, kindness, and truthfully. All my life I have been something of a wordsmith—sometimes successfully. I have made some spectacular blunders. Back to Peter W. Marty; we live in a time when the right word is needed—the good, word. I think of words in the hymn, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God; in the third stanza Martin Luther wrote this: The Prince of Darkness grim, We tremble not for him; His rage we can endure, For lo! his doom is sure, One little word shall fell him.
©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2025
Great words. Just be kind🥰