Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Words from friends
So, I have two links for you today, from people I love writing about words.
First, please read our friend CraigA's piece from last Sunday in the Richmond paper. It is beautiful and authentic. You can read the whole thing here, but I will give you a taste:
Language is important, particularly so figurative language. The images and metaphors used to guide and to inform personal narratives can be fundamental to the process of living, to the process of healing — and to the process of dying.
It is important to note that language and images that may work for one, may not work for another. Such has been true for me.
I too have had to navigate a life-threatening illness — one that would have taken my life, save for the due diligence of my outstanding primary physician, a timely diagnostic procedure and excellent care throughout. And save for grace.
In terms of language, my experience had far more to do with acceptance, engagement, collaboration, trust, submission and, most of all, surrender. The language of prayer was important as well: my prayer and the prayer of others. The language of grace was also significant — a lot of undeserved grace.
Second, check out my dad's blog this week, about, well, words:
In 2008 I painted a portrait of Barack Obama in thought. During debates he was often criticized by his opposition for not thinking quickly on his feet in debates. I thought that he was the best choice for President because he was the candidate who thought before he chose his words.
WORDS MATTER
My mother’s voice was always calm and soothing. She took time from her life to read to me. I still can curl up inside the memory of her pleasantness and the choice of her words.
My father had less time for extended warm moments. His voice was firm, authoritarian and final. It was also loving because he was loving which was reflected in his choice of words.
Martin Luther King Jr came along later and just reinforced my appreciation for the spoken and written word.
