I Give You My Word: Sharing the Language of Life

Hundreds of well-known and well-respected individuals across the country and across the globe received a letter from Reverend Gaddy that began simply: I am writing to ask you for one word.

The word could be a proper name or a common term, religious or profane, professional in nature or personal. It could be a favorite expression, one that shaped or described their lives, or one that they wanted to address to other people.

Former United States Presidents Bill Clinton and Gerald Ford, Coretta Scott King, the late Mother Teresa, and Desmond Tutu are just some of many who sent an enthusiastic response to the letter, offering "their most personal gift." Maya Angelou gave the word "courage." Bill Moyers sent the word "onomatopoeia." Julie Andrews offered the word "think." From Studs Terkel came the word "survive." Alice Walker passed along the word "believe." As each of them share their favorite word, they offer a glimpse into their characters, values, priorities, thoughts, hopes, and interests.

The idea for this book came years ago when Reverend Gaddy-minister, author, and executive of a non-profit organization-heard a story about a man's prized visit with a famous author. After and extended conversation, seeking a keepsake of their time together, the visitor asked the author for the gift of a word, one of the author's favorite words. Awed by words and inspired But that incident, the Reverend began to view the gift of a word from another person as a real treasure.

Contributors to this collection of words and phrases represent a broad cross-section of the most prominent thinkers, dreamers, entertainers, shakers, shapers, and movers in contemporary society. Many spend their days in full view of the public's eyes. Several ply their trade through words. Others distinguish themselves by the decisions they make, actions they take, skills they perform, or offices they hold rather than by their words.

For those who seek inspiration from their personal heroes, to those who want to get to know these heroes a little better, to those who simply believe in the unending power of language, I Give You My Word is a book that will leave readers enlightened, enlivened, and speechless as they struggle to choose a word of their very own.