It has been several days since I posted my last entry on this blog. I intended to add a post on May 24 – but – something very unexpected happened that day which derailed my plan and it has taken this long for me to process the situation – to write – but – to write trying not to be guilty of the same sort of remarks that derailed me.

It was my pleasure and honor to be included in two wonderful events that day. The first was a service of worship honoring the life of a friend, mentor, and colleague who had made a significant positive difference in my life and the manner that I do the things that I do. The second was a blessed opportunity to visit in a home with beautiful people who are facing very difficult health challenges – to be with other friends – to sing some of the great songs of faith and to share communion.

What happened between these two marvelous events is what sent me into a tail-spin. Just a short remark made by a single person. I hope the remark was made in jest – and – even if that is the case it was still completely inappropriate, insensitive, and hurtful. Sadly, I confess, these few words placed a dark cloud of exclusiveness over my day – made even darker for me because I never would expect the person who said those words to ever have said them – particularly at the place and time where they were uttered – and – even if they were said and understood to be in jest.

The day taught me a valuable lesson – YES what a person says does matter – it always matters. It is never appropriate to not use the inclusive language of love.

The post I intended to write on May 24 was going to be about the recent joy that I have experienced by becoming acquainted with The Inclusive Bible as part of my service at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. It makes me sad to know that this superb resource has been available for several years, but that I am just now becoming aware of it. So tommorrow’s post will be what I originally intended to write on May 24. Today, however, I will conclude with the opening paragraph from the Preface to The Inclusive Bible:

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me,” says the old proverb. We now know that this is a lie. Words can wound, alienate, and degrade people. Language can also affirm and express love. Care for language is a show of concern for people and a revelation of the attitudes of the speaker. (v)*

YES – it REALLY does matter!! The language of LOVE always includes!!

*The Inclusive Bible: The First Egaltarian Translation. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefied Publishers, Inc., 2007.