A Way with Words

Surely we've heard it all before:

"Where there is a Will, there is a way."

It's a hopeful phrase to suggest that we can overcome any barriers with sheer determination.

But sheer determination can't run on empty, if it has to go the distance.

It requires a constant supply of fuel,

and only high-quality fuel will do.

The Will needs nourishment to go the long-haul.

The Will depends on a steady source for the eternal journey.

"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the Words of eternal life."

John 6:68

Words are the soul-food of the Will.

The Will can be willful or willing,

closed or open to this Word-nourishment,

this channel of change,

this movement of mind,

this potential for power...

but opening to nourishing words early and often is key.

Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing Love,

for I have put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go,

for to You I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8

Words not only influence the Will and our behavior...

they predict it.

The words we choose predict our way.

The Words we choose determine the Way we go.

Listen long enough, and you know where someone is going.

Listen long enough to someone's words, and you'll know their way.

If we restrict the words which are life-giving

or over-consume hollow words or those of empty-value,

the soul starves

and the Will is lifeless.

Word-selection is critical because words are Vital.

Words are food, and we become what we eat.

"When Your Words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear Your Name, O Lord God Almighty."

(Jeremiah 15:16)

Words hold creative power in us, for better or for worse.

“Language is very powerful. Language does not just describe reality. Language creates the reality it describes.” ― Desmond Tutu

Words are our life and our breath and our responsibility.

"No one can prevent you from being aware of each step you take or each breath in and breath out."

----- Thich Nhat Hanh

The words we hold are reflected in our living, in our way of life.

"My Life is my message."

----- Mahatma Gandhi.

The Words we choose determine our Way.

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

---- Jesus

With all of the words "out there," it can feel overwhelming to know where to start or how to begin.

A Benedictine monk, Father Luke Dysinger, provides some tips for "lectio divina," of which the goal is simply to be in the presence of God by praying the Scriptures. Father Luke gently urges, "Choose a word or phrase of scripture. It makes no difference which text is chosen, as long as you have no set goal of covering a certain amount of text. The amount of text covered is in God's hands, not yours." Father Luke reminds us to Read, Ponder, Pray.

And here it is, this recognition of nourishment,

this Word as Food,

this becoming what we eat...

these Words truly are priority and necessity and delicacy, all!

Reading, we Taste and Savor;

Pondering, we Linger on the Flavor;

Praying, we Open to the Energy.

The banquet table is set; the Good Book holds the feast.

Will we remain Open to it?

For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12