During my first full day in England, by train and bus, I reach Wells. I check into the Ancient Gatehouse Inn. Nicky greets me “Welcome luv, staying with us tonight?” I feel welcome! Then, although tempted to fall asleep, I head to the Wells Cathedral. Modest. Beautiful. A spirited guide declares that Wells was “a trail blazer,” the first Gothic cathedral in England. I hear her deep love for the cathedral.

At breakfast the next morning, I chat with a couple from south of London, the South Downs. Upon hearing that I will be walking the South West Coast Path, they both exclaim “Our favorite trail in all of the UK.” We chat about Lands’ End and about Minehead which is the path’s traditional starting point. “Are you taking the old steam train? We loved it!” “What steam train?” Not only do they proceed to tell me about the steam train from Bishop Lyreard to Minehead,  but also they begin to search if the train is running today. I appreciate their words sharing their joys.

“How do I get there?” Standing at the doorway to the small dining area, Nick, the owner, chimes in “When you are ready to check-out, I’ll walk you to the tourist office, they’ll know all the schedules.” At the tourist office, I meet Dale whose parents so loved Dale Evans and Roy Rogers that their daughter became Dale. She checks “Yes, the train is running. Here are the buses that you should take.” I’m set! Kind words and helpful words from Nick and Dale.

As I walk to the bus station, I realize that I have an hour and a half before the bus leaves. I see a church tower above the houses and head for it. St. Cuthbert. Since “common folk” could only worship in the cathedral five times a year during the early Middle Ages, St. Cuthbert became “the people’s church.” I enter. Lo and behold the vicar and approximately ten older women are in a side chapel. I look at several of the women; they look at me. As the vicar is preparing the elements, I slide into one of the vacant seats. The woman next to me hands me a booklet with a service from the Iona Community and points “we are here.” What wonderful words. ”All that is spectacular, all that is plain have their origin in you; all that is lovely, all who are loving point to you as their fulfillment.” Afterwards, I tell them my story. Claire, the Vicar, asks for my name “We’ll remember you in our prayers.” Present and future words of blessing.

I reach Bishop Lyreard. I board the train. I remember all the types of words spoken to me the past 24 hours. I also think of the US Presidential campaign and all the words recently spoken. A presidential candidate who lies, who speaks demeaning and insulting words, who speaks words arousing suspicion as he endorses absurd conspiracy theories, who speaks words of retribution not only toward political figures but also employees at our health care institutions such as NIH and the CDC.

I’ve read other words from Ancient writers. A writer who sees the many ways that words can condemn the speaker. “You love all words that hurt, o you deceitful tongue.” “Their own tongues shall make them fall…” “They scoff and speak only of evil…” Another Ancient writer who hears the wholesomeness of words “I will keep watch over my ways, so that I offend not with my tongue.” “My mouth shall speak of wisdom…”

I can’t get out of my head the contrast. In my presence, the English individuals spoke words of welcome, of curiosity, of love, of kindness, of useful information. And, in promising to remember me, the vicar spoke words of blessing. Such power in those types of words.