Azoke Origin:

You won’t find azoke in your dictionary as it is a new word, a neologism created to describe my pursuit of zygoma’s provenance. The word azoke came to me in 2011 in Los Angeles while registering my youngest son in the University of California, light design program, at Cal Arts. We were staying at the Hampton Inn finishing up an endless to do list before returning to N.C. the next day. Most unlike myself, I awoke around 6 AM, slipped off to the cafeteria without waking anyone, inexplicably wide awake, I began jotting down my night’s dream and the thoughts it provoked, before losing them. Heres what I wrote on the Hampton “thought pad” from the room.

I had dreamed my zygoma story: twenty years searching for truth in the ambiguous anatomical terminology of the facial bone, overcoming and unraveling the linguistic origin of the term. The dream revealed my journey was far more than a medical or language pursuit, it was a process of connecting to God. Finding God by searching for truth.

Sometimes our connection with God is through other people or other things who which we yoke to and through to God. For Christians the yoke is Christ. However, each of us can be touched with the hand of God to instill into us a yearning for completeness which can only be satisfied by union with him. The Kaballah describes it well.
“This is the very fundamental basis of religion: the union between ourselves and God. Religion comes from the Latin “religare” which means to “reunite.” This relates well to the Sanskrit word Yoga coming from the root yug, which means to yoke or unite.
The true root of Yoga ,the real meaning of Yug is to unite oneself with the truth.

The union may come in a form of a revealed truth, a conversion , or a given talent which connects us to him, be it music, dance, art, animation, sports, film, spirituality, science, discovery, quilting, work etc .
Through my academic medical terminology investigation, I had proven beyond doubt the origin of the term zygoma and eliminated the confusion regarding it’s nomenclature. In so doing I found my yoke to God. The word zygoma! And I was given the thought each of us may have their own personal yoke to God, and I chose the word Zoke to identify it, and Azoke to identify one’s search for their Zoke .

Zoke seemed right, using Z, to imply God from (Z)eus coupled with OKE of yoke. Also because OAK, a homonym of OKE, was the wood used to make man’s first yoke implements. Thus, Zoke is ones personal yoke(connection) to God.
Similarly, Azoke seemed right as (A) pictographically represents an oxen yoke used as the first implement of domesticated animals to allow energetic work. I correlated that with the “work” of searching out our zoke; thus

Azoke: The search for your Zoke to God.

Wherefore the blog name itself was the result of some intuitive thought prompted by dream. Coincidence?
I concluded from my dream and the thought it provoked that early morning, It’s our task, duty and responsibility to find our yoke to God. We should do whatever it takes for as long as it takes to find the yoke that links us and bonds us to him.
I had done it through a word.

Haven satisfied my need to get the spiritual up front due to the cumulative magnitude of the meaningful coincidences that convinced me my single truth was not zygoma but the confirmational truth , single truth , that God exist!
Not that i want Him to, I think He does, He probably does or He might as I had thought for years, but finally I accepted :
He does!

Zygoma was my zoke

In order for others to accept this as well I return to the chronologic path of my discoveries with an emphasis on what then seemed ” happen stance”, but I now know were intended. Perhaps your zoke will be recognized.

neologism – a new word or a new use of a word
provenance – the origin of a word and all of its evolution
homonym – one of a group of words with different meanings : frequently found to have similar origins

Entry#7

Name Change Coincidence:

Insignificant as it must seem to others, the most recent coincidence occurred with the expected blog name Zygoma, my first and only choice for the title as I planned for the blog to mirror chronologically my journey’s search for the truth of an anatomical term, followed by a language-etymology review of how the use of the word changed throughout history and ending with my discovery of “a single truth” and my profession of faith.

Once I committed to a blog with the encouragement of my children, Susan, my youngest offered to launch the site as I was totally incapable of. She E-mailed me. “Dad, sorry, but zygoma.org, zygoma.edu,and zygoma.com sites were unavailable!” I was devastated!  I had been so excited to think finally I would have my story told and my academic discoveries, protected by a Creative Commons 4.0 International License. Choosing another name was difficult, nothing, compared to zygoma. The Yoke bone, A Single Truth and Yahweh were considered, but rejected for different reasons. Alas, I chose Azoke, thinking It might work. Azoke.org was available! , so we secured it at once. Then it hit me! How can I possibly start with Azoke? Its not even a word yet! I had hoped to recommend it to readers as a neologism in final posts, along with other spiritual conclusions.

To begin with it first, rather than last, would turn my story upside down; well actually backwards.  Impossible!  Not only would it lessen, if not negate, “my” academic discoveries, it might discourage my medical colleagues, language scholars and “scientific method” readers from taking me seriously with azoke’s primary spiritual connotation. Had zygoma been available, azoke would have emerged as an outcome at the story’s conclusion. That dilemma, of how to put the spiritual at the beginning rather than end,  was removed for reasons stated in the last entry The Coming Out re: meaningful coincidences,  in conjunction with Wham-O!, The Title Change,  did what I couldn’t!

Zygoma’s site by chance not being available resulted in the Azoke title, which forced making spiritual the primary focus, shifting the credit from myself to God, where it belongs. I now prefer this but was jealous of giving up the credit only a year ago, when I realized all my discoveries were serendipitous coincidences,intuitive thought and dreams rather than results of my genius. When I recognized that, when I saw the light, the truth, ( entry #6 ) I wanted a way to put the credit where it was due and let the chips fall where they must  with friends ,colleagues and scholars, as I have already received my reward. My single truth.

Having to use Azoke as the blog site name required explanation and definition of the word, all spiritual.  How it came about follows in Entry  #8 the result of a dream.

End Entry #7

Entry#6

The Coming Out

The answer, as to how I am able to give public testimony of my faith just three years after the reservation expressed to Mitch in 2013 not to share my letter to anyone unless I should die and it be unpublished, has four parts.

The first part is the confidence of faith I received from the construction of the Mitch letter itself, my first ,open, personal acknowledgement of my faith. Then, the joy I experienced after his death, that I had sent it to him. Perhaps it was a message from God, a gift to us both recognizing my opening up to him was providence for us both.

Secondly, after 35 years I finally completed zygoma’s provenance in 2016 with my academic presentation to the History of Medicine Interest Group of the Laupus Library of Health Sciences, East Carolina University Medical School documenting the origin of the anatomical term zygoma.* Thus completing the medical task that started the journey, yet still leaving the uncompleted ” truth”, (origin of) yoke to be discovered, possibly a philology conclusion but more likely spiritual.

Thirdly, a dream this past year which brought everything together for me. Seeing that the first breath of God, to man, the first audible sound, word, or phoneme of language, identifying himself was

Yah: I AM.**

Yah, the first part of Yahweh, is the cognate of (root origin) of yoke and yoga , both which mean, to join or union. Therein reveals how Yahweh and zygoma ( Greek for yoke ) are connected.

This dream *** allowed me to, so call, ” See the Light”, as well as to see the “Way”, the last part of YahWeh.

Fourthly, and most important are the meaningful coincidences that occurred thru my entire journey that continue to arise as I write. The magnitude of the unpredictable, unexplained confrontations, is no longer consider chance and the only explanation is that a higher power has to be responsible for them and i am certain now that my Single Truth is just that, God exist and God is Truth.

What looked like chance occurrences at the beginning and along the way don’t seem random anymore!

In asking my youngest son to help me with the expression of this thought he has more accurate and eloquently expressed what I have felt so I include his response.

sabiston William                                                                       march 30 2017 1:03 AM

To: Sabiston Walter

Single Truth

Hey how’s the writing going?

Over the weekend I realized that I think I have been misreading part of your book/chapter/blog. Well not misreading it necessarily, but I think that I got a better understanding of what you mean in the parts when you mention a “single truth.” I think that what you are saying is that the Yoke/Zygoma research and path (your Azoke) has “proven” to you that God exists. Is that right? This is the “single truth?” Is that right?

i am guessing that this is so because of the coincidences and other spiritual things that have happened in the context of the Yoke inquiry, or as a result of it. LIke let’s say for example, if you do not pay attention to it…or let’s say you forget about Yoke for a month, it might be a completely normal month….fine , OK. But then let’s say you start reading and working on Yoke the next month and all of a sudden a synchronicity happens, something that really just feels like the universe has listened and answered you back. Etc.

If this were to happen somewhat consistently, over the course of many years, (which it has), then you would eventually come to the conclusion that the Yoke research is connected to these things you can’t explain. And actually the only explanation is that a higher power is the link in the connection.

And after sensing this, feeling that it sure “seemed” so…..eventually you decide that it IS so. Oddly simply accepting this, for us humans, is for some reason much harder than remaining skeptical…..but after deciding that it is true or discovering this “single truth ” ; ACCEPTING this truth….nothing could be simpler . Maybe in fact, the less you try but more you believe , the greater the results. Thus … God Exists. ?

Love william

My answer of course was a resounding Yes. Even though I had always hoped there was a personal God and I had varying amount of faith at times of his existence,this was the first time I was certain, irrefutably sure.

For those coincidences to be shared and enjoyed, I would need to return to the University of Alabama, Birmingham Emergency Room, 1972, where it all began, but before going there, consider the latest ” coincidence”,  insignificant even to my estimation, yet it altered significantly the blog placement of spirituality, from last to first, a huge contribution.

• I plan to give the entire presentation, approximately 15 minutes at a later entry. For anatomist, surgeons, and etymologist who might need zygoma information earlier, I will provide a link on request. It is not necessary for everyone, its a little pedantic.

** King James Bible : Exodus 3: 13-15

*** I will elaborate on the YAH:IAM dream in a later entry. The all seeing eye of God and Christ’s proclamation,” I am the Truth, the Way, and the Light”,  (life).  John 14: 6

end of entry # 6

Mitch’s Letter

First Open Declaration

On Apr 20, 2013, at 6:44 PM, Michael R. wrote:

Hi Walter,

My L5 collapsed several years ago…. now L4 has followed along. And next week or
so they’re gonna zap my right kidney with sound waves to try to break up a new stone.
Interesting the way one’s body deteriorates.  CT scan last week; calcium everywhere.
Looked like a Christmas tree.

I trust you guys are well and having fun.

All best,
Michael Raley

From: Sabiston Walter
Date: April 21, 2013 2:39:03 AM EDT
To: Michael R.
Subject: Re: Getting shorter

Mike you asked me once what I thought my “neon letters meant”. I said I didn’t know! I was too proud to speak to an intellectual, on a level below knowledge and wisdom, when in fact, I was quite certain what I experienced was spiritual.  I’ve tried to gloss over the meaning of what I experienced and “elevate” the content to language discovery, fearing I would be labeled just another Jesus freak if I wrote what I really felt, to those I respect  who are content without expressing an existence of God.  People who, by the way are people of faith; honest and just, with virtue, my friends, colleagues and family members. Those icons of intelligence, all physics and math majors and especially ham operators*!

I don’t know why now I should open up to you, except for my intuition. Someone said intuitive knowledge was special. I hope so ’cause thats about it for me.

Mike, I believe my neon letters were God sent. Not only do I believe in God, I believe the letters were a gift which satisfied a premise I had my sophomore year at UNC in which I recall thinking that ones life would be well spent if they could prove a single fact, irrefutably. Just one thing. A single truth. I “wandered there” after hearing in physics, chemistry and other subjects so many “we don’t knows”. I thought professors had answers to everything, even the definition of IS**. Remember.

Even though I’ve discovered some remarkable unrecognized facts in anatomy and etymology while tracking down zygoma’s provenance*** over the last thirty years, I can’t say they are irrefutable truths. What I do find irrefutable is we shared something one night in the 5o’s that was very special, super real,  even paranormal. . An experience difficult for me to describe, certainly impossible for others to feel. Phenomenological.

I have experienced similar feelings with other coincidences while tracking down this word , zygoma. Some so unlikely it has to be more than chance alone. I am compelled to acknowledge and share it with someone outside my family. So I just did!  

I’m sure my zygoma story is for one person, me. To proclaim it to others would come no closer than explaining the dark skies overhead in the field we experienced in our teens. So why the discourse tonight? I don’t know, probably, all about me, tho I wished it were more.

Mike, at our age, our bodies aren’t worth much, It’s our soul thats important. For whatever prompted your message to me, it evoked a heartfelt response recalling our connection. We are yoked to each other. My insatiable urge to track a word has led me to a bond with Christ and God. I choose to believe that your search for your dad could be your Azyoke**** which can, might, did or could yoke you to your father as well as to Our Heavenly Father. That yoke can offer (Philipians 4:7) you the peace of God which passeth all understanding, and  shall keep your heart and mind thru Christ Jesus.

(Romans 8:38-39 ) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life ,nor angels,nor principalities, nor powers,  nor things present, nor things to come. Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. I believe you will see your dad again.

And my favorite verse of Amazing Grace; When we’ve been there 10,000 years bright shining as the sun, there’s no less time to sing God’s praise than when we first begun. i.e. You and I have just as much time to praise God as anyone who has ever lived!
My dear friend Mike,

This is for your eyes only. Should I die first you may certainly share it. Also, I don’t want a reply. Best left to each our wishes.
Walter

My Neologisms

Azoke-   ones (search) for their connection to God (Verb)
Zoke –    ones yoke to God  ( noun)

*Mike – a brilliant intellectual was doing ham radios internationally when he was a teen

** one of his erudite discussions , trying to convince me there is no truth; it depends on what your definition of IS, is. He said.

*** Provenance – The place of origin or earliest known history of something

**** what I was saying to Mike was that his lifelong search for what happened to his dad,who died after his plane was shot down over Normandy during the war, when Mike was young, could even be his Azyoke. Azyoke here is not a typo. When the letter was written I often used zoke and zyoke interchangeably, as I did Azyoke and azoke. I later decided the letter y  was unnecessary in both.

prologue:

Reflecting back on my letter now, I credit God for giving me the desire to share my testimony to my friend who was seeing his physical deterioration and still searching for his connection to his Father. I hope he experienced a measure of the Peace of God.

Unknown to Mike and me, he had an occult pancreatic cancer which took his life in 2015.

You might ask at this juncture , how am I able to come forth publicly, so soon after the reservation i expressed  to Mike not to share my letter with anyone in 2013.

End Entry #5