The Infinite Wonder of Words

Beyond definitions and dogma, what infinite wonder can we unlock when we truly listen to the words of others?

I have a book I’ve cherished for many, many years—truly, my favorite. Its paperback cover is tattered and worn, spine reinforced with tape to keep it from crumbling. When melancholy settles in, I simply pick it up, read a section, and without fail, my spirits lift.

The book is Arthur Gordon’s A Touch of Wonder: An Invitation to Fall In Love with Life. Arthur possessed an amazing ability to extract extraordinary insights from the simplest human experiences, distilling his wisdom into short essays. Most were written in the 1950s and 60s, originally published in Guideposts and Reader’s Digest. The world was vastly different then, yet his perspective remains timeless. When sadness calls, reading “The Stranger Who Taught Magic” or “The Answer” never fails to uplift me.

I adore this prayer. Its power resonates deeply. “Let me use the mighty power of words only for good.” Beautiful. Yes. I will!

In the 50s and 60s, this prayer was absolutely perfect. Today, however, we face a challenge, particularly in traditional publishing. A publisher might actually debate if a single word in that prayer—”Lord”—could offend their targeted audience. Depending on the house, they might consider changing “Lord” to “God,” “Jesus,” “Christ,” “Universe,” “Source,” “Great Spirit”… a list of potential choices that could spark heated discussions and disagreements between editors and authors!

In my book, The Journey of the Visionary Writer, I share the importance of expressing a writer’s preferred term. If an author wants to use the word “Lord,” they should be free to do so. Honoring another person’s unique perspective is an act of respect. I want to know their uncensored truth. While I guide authors to ensure their message is clearly articulated, I refrain from insisting they alter their beliefs or conform to standards of cultural, religious, or political correctness for fear of marketplace rejection.

There is a better way forward. What if, when reading books or discussing spiritual beliefs, we simply respected one another’s point of view and listened without censoring? I may say “God” and you may say “Source,” but are we not truly referring to the same overarching presence? Does “God,” “Christ,” “Jesus,” “Buddha,” “The Universe,” “Source” truly prefer us to debate terminology? Have we reached an apex in human history where we can stop debating words and start seeking the intersection of our shared beliefs? I pray we have. Let’s use the shining symbols known as words for good!