Magic Words

Expecto Patronum! Duckliflors! Potterheads may recognize these crucial spells for overcoming dark forces. (The first taps one's deepest place of joy to render a protective force and the second turns the target into a duck.) They are fun to say, especially when dramatically lunging with wooden chopsticks.

Words? How flimsy. What can they possibly do? You know, better to fear sticks and stones, right? Actually, ancient writ instructs: "Life and death are in the power of the tongue."  The Genesis creation story passes down that light, heaven and earth, finger, toes, chipmunks and all that followed was spoken into being. When describing the savior of the world, the Gospel of John calls Christ: The Word.

I believe in magic words, in that the Maker's creative verbosity is still lodged in us. Believe it or not. Here are some words I'm found to work. "I'm sorry." "Thank you." "I was wrong." "Wait." "I love you."

Too simple? Try saying them. Or worse, try not saying them. Worlds form and worlds collapse. People wait all their lives to hear something, and individuals and family lines perish for the lack of it. You are a wizard. Of dark or light. Of healing or hurt. Little do you know, but the word you say to others, may be the one that transforms you.