Daily Word: A Minister’s Journey

I discovered Daily Word® in the 1980s, and it has since been a constant presence in my life. Years ago, I found this little publication in the restroom of a doctor’s office I was visiting regularly for a few weeks. Whenever I read the day’s message, I always liked the affirmative language, the positive stories, and the accompanying Bible verses.

Simple and Ecumenical

That first encounter with Daily Word was only the beginning. I had already discovered Unity when I lived in Miami. After I later married and moved to California, my husband, Hal, and I had occasion to rent part of Unity of Santa Barbara church for a function. We really liked the energy of the place and the community. We soon joined the church and became involved in lay leadership, and I soon found myself reading the Sunday Daily Word message to the congregation during service. Daily Word spoke to me then because it was simple and ecumenical.

Daily Word is relatable and meaningful to so many, regardless of who they are or where they come from ... Truth is for everyone.

My relationship with Daily Word deepened when Hal and I moved to the Kansas City, Missouri, area to answer the call to ministry. Part of my educational training included writing a Daily Word message that would be considered for publication. I already loved the writing I was assigned to do for school, and I approached this one with gusto. The seminary curriculum was intense, so I chose to write about what I needed most: rest. Our class of 29 students was advised that not every message would be selected, so I was delighted when mine was chosen for publication and ultimately appeared in the June 1990 issue. I even earned $25.

Daily Word also figured in my seminary education in another way. Each student was tasked with rotating through the various departments at Unity Village and reading the day’s message to the employees. Having lived in urban and coastal areas for most of my life, coming to a quiet town in the Midwest left me feeling a bit culture shocked. Sharing the day’s message with people I didn’t know well and who seemed so different from me taught me about being fully present.

Truth Is for Everyone

Because it is relatable and meaningful to so many, regardless of who they are or where they come from, sharing Daily Word is also a way to connect and bridge chasms. Truth is for everyone.

After I was ordained and serving in church ministry, I was able be more creative. I used archived Daily Word messages as prayer and discussion prompts in board meetings, classes, and even as part of my personal spiritual practice. I also used the calendar pages in each issue to help me tune into my own energy and inform my awareness of how to direct my attention, set an intention, and pray.

Throughout my ministerial career, I discovered Daily Word was a wonderful way to introduce people to Unity. When someone asks what Unity is, I respond by asking whether they know Daily Word. They often do. Seeing for myself how much people get from Daily Word’s messages and stories, I started giving subscriptions as gifts, something I still do, sharing inspiration with friends.

From my discovery of Daily Word in the 1980s, through my seminary education and ministry, and now in retirement, this little devotional is a constant. Daily Word always has a place on my desk, just as it has for years. I don’t need to read it every day and not every message touches me equally. But it is soothing and inspirational, and I am grateful for it.