The Power of the Written Word

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21

For centuries, back to a time which probably cannot be traced, the power of the written word has proved to be something incontrovertibly sublime. The written word has saved lives, circulated powerful ideas, preserved traditions and memories, and so much more.

Someone once said that a picture is worth ten thousand words. However, whoever believes this saying has never read the Magna Carta of 1215 also known as the Great Charter, created by the barons of King John and arguably the most significant early influence on the historical process that led to the rule of constitutional law today. The Founding Fathers of the United States of America would, in 1776 look to the charter as a historical precedent for asserting their liberty from the English crown.

Nor have they read Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address or the Bill of Rights. Neither have they read and understood the 23rd Psalm or prayed the Lord’s Prayer. These works contain words—just words—but they are words that have changed the destiny of nations, the course of history, and the lives of millions of people.

Here is a story about how some other words had a dramatic impact on a life. A number of years ago the movie, A Man Called Peter, was produced. The actor portraying Peter Marshall was preaching a sermon on belief and faith. When the scene was over the cameras kept grinding. Many members of the cast got up from their seats to walk down to congratulate the actor for a superb performance.

One of the members of the cast who was a member of the “congregation” was an actress named Marjorie Rambeau. As she walked down to congratulate the actor, it was obvious she was emotionally involved in the situation. I say this, and add that it was fortunate the cameras were still grinding, because Marjorie Rambeau could not walk. She had been injured in an automobile accident and for over a year had been unable to take a step. But, as she listened to those words of faith and encouragement, she became engrossed in the message contained in those words. So engrossed, as a matter of fact, she believed the message, got up, walked, and kept on walking.

As mystery writers we wield the awesome power of the wordsmith and as such it is our responsibility to provide our readers with a good story that has an interesting plot, accurate research, believable characters, and a satisfying ending.