“O God, let the words of my mouth be acceptable in thy sight; restrain my tongue from every uncharitable and untrue word, and make my speech such as becomes the servants — Jeremy Taylor (1613–1667) of Christ.” Source: Jeremy Taylor, The Whole Duty of Man According to the Law of Nature (London: R. Royston, 1651), 112. Reflective Question: How might this …
Quote of the Week, Speaking with Charity, by George Herbert, 17th Century
“Speak not of people’s faults unless you are paid for it; for usually none will thank you for it.” —George Herbert (1593–1633) Source: George Herbert, Jacula Prudentum (London: T. Maxey for T. Garthwait, 1651), no. 117. Reflection: Where in my own conversations am I tempted to speak about others’ faults, and what might faithful restraint look like instead?
In Loving Memory of Michael P. Graves
In Loving Memory of Michael P. Graves (1943–2026) Dr. Michael P. Graves—beloved teacher, scholar, colleague, mentor, poet, and friend—entered the fullness of Christ’s eternal light after a lifetime spent illuminating that same light for others. For nearly five decades, Michael shaped generations of students and scholars through a rare combination of intellectual rigor, spiritual depth, and a gentle, joyful presence …
Quote of the Week, Speech with Grace, by John Chrysostom, 4th Century
“Let your speech be always with grace.” — John Chrysostom (c. 349 – 407) Source: John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Acts of the Apostles, Hom. 45, in Nicene and Post‑Nicene Fathers, First Series, vol. 11, ed. Philip Schaff (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1994), 284. Reflection: In what ways might “speech with grace” reshape the tone, intention, and impact of the conversations I …
A Prayer Before the Word is Spoken, by Symeon the New Theologian, 10th Century
“Shine in our hearts, O Master who loves humankind, the pure light of Your divine knowledge, and open the eyes of our mind to understand Your gospel teachings.” — Symeon the New Theologian (949 – 1022), Prayer for Illumination. Source: Symeon the New Theologian, Prayer for Illumination, in Symeon the New Theologian: The Discourses, trans. C. J. deCatanzaro (New York: Paulist …
Column Entry, “Communication as Communion: A StorySLAM Win and Still Learning,” by Chris Hamstra
Column Title: Leadership Life Stories: Communicating and Leading through Your Story Column Entry: “Communication as Communion: A StorySLAM Win and Still Learning” By Chris Hamstra, PhD, Davenport University Description: There is a power when people come together to share stories. As people of faith, the practice and process of storytelling helps us understand ourselves, our communities, and our organizations. When combined with leadership, …
Quote of the Week, The Purpose of Speech, by Richard Hooker, 16th Century
“The end of speech is to teach, to inform, to persuade, and to move.” — Richard Hooker (1554 – 1600) Source: Richard Hooker, Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity, 1.14. Reflection: How might my words today better reflect these purposes—teaching, informing, persuading, and moving others toward what is good?
Job Posting, Faculty, Dept. Head, Great Northern University
Great Northern University Faculty Search: Program Head Communication Great Northern University is a fully accredited Christian liberal arts university in Spokane, Washington. GNU was founded in 2018 by a group of faculty who were driven by their faith in Jesus and the need for biblically-grounded education in the Inland Northwest. That biblical grounding includes a required Bible minor (six courses) …
A Prayer for Freedom from Human Praise, Thomas More, 16th Century
“Give me the grace, good Lord, to set the world at naught; to set my mind fast upon you and not to hang upon the blast of men’s mouths.” — Thomas More (1478-1535) Source: Thomas More, A Godly Meditation, in The English Works of Sir Thomas More, ed. W. E. Campbell (London: Eyre and Spottiswoode, 1931), 145. Reflection. Where do …
Quote of the Week, A Voice Shaped by Truth and Humility, by Walter Hilton, 14th Century
“Lord, give me grace to desire only what is pleasing to you; to speak only what is true; to hold my peace when silence is wiser than speech; and to praise you with a clean heart and humble voice.” — Walter Hilton (c. 1340–1396) Source: Walter Hilton, The Scale of Perfection, trans. John P. H. Clark and Rosemary Dorward (New …
