The great American writer Mark Twain once said, “The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter—it’s the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.” Choosing “right words” can also be a spiritual practice to help create a more just and inclusive world. This Sunday we explore the origins and meanings of some common words and phrases, attempt to raise our awareness, and consider the difference between “deadline” and “due date.”

Joseph Bednarik is the co-publisher of Copper Canyon Press, past pulpit assistant at Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, and frequent speaker at KUUF.