When We Say Goodbye

What a universally used phrase, “Goodbye,” is when two people part. And the vast majority have no clue as to what they are actually saying. For in spite of the secular nature of much of our society, they are all calling for God’s blessing upon the other. “Goodbye” is simply a contraction of the phrase, “God be with thee,” or “God be with you.” The meaning is perhaps more obvious in the corresponding Spanish, “Adios,” or the French, “Adieu.” that show their Latin base. But even in those languages, most people still do not make the connection of wishing God’s presence within you.

What a lovely irony, then, that millions and millions of people – even the non-religious and even those claiming no belief in God at all – are nevertheless invoking God’s blessing to each other over and over each day, whenever they say, “Goodbye.” What a wonderful wish it is, to wish that the presence of God be a part of you.

Goodbye.

Loren Bullock
October 12, 2017