“O Christ, control my speech. Speak through me, and make my words healing and true.” –E. Stanley Jones (1884–1973) Source: E. Stanley Jones, Abundant Living (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1942), 112. Reflection: Where do I most need Christ’s control over my words so that they become instruments of healing rather than harm?
A Quote about Speaking Truth, by A.W. Tozer, 20th Century
“Truth has no substitute; and when a man declares the truth he is speaking for God.” –A. W. Tozer (1897–1963) Source: A. W. Tozer, Of God and Men (Harrisburg, PA: Christian Publications, 1960), 38. Reflection: Where in my daily conversations do I need to remember that speaking truth is an act of representing God?
Column Entry, The Wisdom of Children, by Clint Rothell
Column title: The Virtue of Smallness Column entry: The Wisdom of Children By Clint Rothell Column Description: Pride is the childish pursuit of making the world, our family, friends, colleagues, and strangers small so that we can become large and more important. In this column, I focus on pride’s opposite: humility. In contrast to pride, humility is being in right …
Quote of the Week, The Mind’s Instrument, by John Wycliffe, 14th Century
“A truthful tongue is the mind’s instrument, and false speech is the devil’s own work.” –John Wycliffe (c. 1330–1384) Source: John Wycliffe, Select English Works of John Wyclif, ed. Thomas Arnold, vol. 3 (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1871), 58. Reflection: Where might I be tempted to let convenience, fear, or self‑protection distort the truthfulness of my speech?
A Prayer to Let My Words Be Few, True, and Seasonable, John Wesley, 18th Century
“O God, give me a wise and watchful spirit, that I may speak nothing rashly or unadvisedly. Keep me from all uncharitable conversation; from all idle words; from all deceit and exaggeration. Let my words be few, true, and seasonable; and may I never wound my neighbor with my tongue. Grant that I may speak always with meekness, kindness, and …
A Prayer Speaking Light into Learning, by Hildegard of Bingen, 12th Century
“May my words praise You, O Lord. May they be seasoned with the wisdom of Your Spirit. May they comfort the sorrowful, strengthen the wavering, and bring light to those who seek understanding. Guard my tongue from falsehood and pride, and let my speech be a vessel of Your peace. Through Your grace, may every word I speak reflect the …
Quote of the Week, The Quiet Work of Faithful Speech, Bernard of Clairvaux, 12th Century
“Let your language be restrained, your laughter moderate, your speech thoughtful.” —Bernard of Clairvaux, (1090–1153) Source: Bernard of Clairvaux, On Consideration, trans. George Lewis (London: Oxford University Press, 1908), 71. Reflection: Where in my academic life—teaching, writing, or conversation—do I most need to cultivate “thoughtful speech” rather than reactive or self‑protective words?
Successful Dissertation Defense, Dr. Elaine V. Fung
The CCSN celebrates with one of its members, Elaine V. Fung, upon the successful defense of her dissertation. Welcome to the Academy, Dr. Fung! Elaine V. Fung successfully defended her dissertation titled, Linking in Faith, Gender, Leadership, and Digital Communication: A Mixed-Methods Exploration of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities Women Presidents’ and Provosts’ LinkedIn. This dissertation research explored the complex …
Registration Open, June 1 Workshop on Publishing, Word-Gardening: From Seed (Idea) to Fruit (Publication), with Rodney Clapp
[Learn more about other summer workshops in Faith and Communication] Word-Gardening: From Seed (Idea) to Fruit (Publication) Lead Presenter/Facilitator: Rodney Clapp, Editor, Cascade Books Date/Time: Monday, June 1, 2026 | 11:30 am – 3:00 pm EDT REGISTER HERE Description: Drawing on nearly fifty years’ work editing newspapers, magazines, and books, Rodney Clapp offers tips and guidance for the span of …
A Prayer to Let Kindness Guard My Tongue, by John Newton, 18th Century
“Set a watch, Lord, upon my mouth, and keep the door of my lips; that I may not speak unadvisedly with my tongue. Let the law of kindness be in my mouth, and the gospel of peace rule in my heart; that out of the abundance of the heart my mouth may speak, and that my speech may be seasoned …
