Jean Redpath the great Scottish ballad singer has died. For decades I have thanked her for a bit of life-guiding wisdom. At least, I attribute it to her although I can find no written reference: “We have the same language but speak it to different melodies.” She referred to the English language which has so many manifestations referencing the Scottish dialect in which she sang so many of her songs. She spoke in the verbal transition between two songs in concert.

It illuminated for me the great diversity of human culture but the unity of humanity. We live among such a diversity of people and culture. Many fear it; I, always reminding myself of Ms Redpath words, delighted in it. (Although through my 70 plus years I often had a lot to learn and relearn.)

Whether in prayer/religion, spirituality or how we live out the great human virtues,”though we sing it to different melodies we each speak the same language.”

If I could bestow but one gift to those I encounter it would be the understanding: “we have the same language but we each speak it with different tunes.”