Horizons magazine is published by Presbyterian Women (PW) the national women’s organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Issue link: http://horizons.epubxp.com/i/521232
May/June 2015 1 "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me." "Let's not split hairs over it; there's really no difference!" F rom youth into adulthood, we hear words being dismissed. As children, we suggest that because words don't have the power of physical engagement, they don't matter. As adults, we might try to make a distinction about something only to be told that we're unnecessarily complicating the issue. But the truth is our words matter. The way that we say those words matters. The courage to form those words matters. And the way those words invite a connection with the reader or listener matters. Language is essential to living in community. Whether spoken, written or signed, language is the primary way we communicate with each other. A reassuring pat on the shoulder or a melody can communicate something, but we need language to recount an important moment, give directions, share history. Language is the best tool we have for communicating specifics. Yet it often feels like a blunt instrument. We've all found ourselves fumbling for words or regretting the words we chose. Or we meet someone who doesn't speak the same language we do, and facial expressions and shrugs are all we can do to communicate. No matter how skilled we are with language, it seems no language will ever be enough to articulate who God is, how one's soul was stirred, what a loved one means to us. Yet we—which includes the greatest poets in the world and those who feel they bumble their way through every encounter—keep trying to put words to these things. The authors in this issue believe in the power in language. They explore the ways that words can connect us to one another across differences and the ways that words can separate us. They address the ways that when words fail us, we can still find a way to communicate with each other. These authors show just how nuanced language can be, and that if there was ever a reason to split hairs, it's to honor each other as children of God. a b o u t t h i s i s s u e The Power of Language t t t Our Purpose The purpose of Horizons magazine is the same as the purpose of our publisher, Presbyterian Women: Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves • to nurture our faith through prayer and Bible study, • to support the mission of the church worldwide, • to work for justice and peace, and • to build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and witnesses to the promise of God's kingdom. Circulation Information Letters to the Editor Send your comments to Horizons, 100 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY 40202–1396; FAX 502/569–8026; or email Susan.Jackson- Dowd@pcusa.org. Due to the volume of mail received, letters may not receive a personal reply. Opinions expressed by individual authors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Visit PW and Horizons online Presbyterian Women • www.presbyterianwomen.org Horizons • www.pcusa.org/horizons Subscriptions To subscribe to Horizons, or if you have questions about your current subscription, call 866/802-3635, or visit www.pcusa.org/horizons. Allow 8–12 weeks for your new subscription to become effective. Moving? Send your new address (including your current Horizons label) to Horizons, P.O. Box 421, Congers, NY 10920-0421, call 866/802-3635, visit www.pcusa.org/horizons or FAX 845/267-3478. Allow 8–12 weeks for your change of address to become effective. Postmaster: Send address changes directly to Horizons, P.O. Box 421, Congers, NY 10920-0421. Themes and Guidelines Horizons welcomes manuscript submissions. A list of our upcoming themes, manuscript deadlines and writers' guidelines are available from our office or our web site. Write to PW Assistant Editor, 100 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY 40202–1396; FAX 502/569–8026; or visit www.pcusa.org/horizons.