Sticks
and stones may break my bones,
But
words can never hurt me...
Words...
A
young friend of mine made a comment using a phrase that I objected
to. “They're just words. You know, sticks and stones and all that.”
The problem is that words CAN hurt us.
Words
have power. Words can give information, make us laugh, provide
healing. Words can cut, and tear down, and hurt. The words we choose
impact those who hear or read them.
“Reckless
words pierce like a sword,
but
the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18
Knowing
this, why would anyone want to write a blog?
I'll
be honest, I decided to start a blog to fulfill a requirement for a
class. It's an alternate form of communication, a reasonably new use
of technology. OK, new mostly to me, the technologically challenged.
It's also a way to express the ways God is working in my life, to
help me remember to look for those moments I so often overlook, and
to be grateful. Maybe I can help you do the same. I hope that my
words will be wise.
The
Bible says a lot about words. It says that where words are many, sin
is not absent (Prov. 10:19). It says that the words of the wise are
like goads, prodding us (Ecc. 12:11). The Bible is called the word of
God, and Jesus is the Word that became flesh, like us.
The
amazing thing about words is that we get choose which words we use.
In that moment before we speak, that gap between action and reaction,
between typing and hitting send, we can pause. We can think about the
words we use, and the effect they will have. We get to choose to use
words that encourage or words that tear down. Words of life, or words
that cut like a sword and bring death.
I
hope that my words will be words of life, or that I will not speak.
Today, in this moment, that is the choice I make.
I look forward to reading more of your words, they always have so much wisdom.
ReplyDeleteSo true, and words cannot be taken back once spoken or read. A post may be altered, an email deleted but the impact will remain for those who hear/read them. I also liked a post you shared on FB: "Talking about our problems is our greatest addiction. Break the habit. Talk about your joys. Rita Schiano" I look forward to more of your blog.
ReplyDeleteA great inspiration and "food for thought". Keep us thinking!
ReplyDeleteI recently read a book I did not enjoy and realized later I couldn't remember what the plot line was but the stinging, degrading, foul language was still ringing in my head. You make a great point about our use of words and the power they hold. Thanks for the scripture passage from Proverbs and for the great reminder! Can't wait to read more! :)
ReplyDeleteI once read a story about a primitive tribe that did their logging by screaming at trees for nearly a week. At the end of this constant yelling and screaming, the tree laid over and died. The author concluded by saying, "Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words can break our hearts." So true! Your words are always sweet and tender, April, and that's part of the reason we love you. dl
ReplyDeleteI love this story. It clearly illustrates the power of what we communicate to others. Thanks for sharing!
DeleteApril you have always been our wordsmith, sometimes leading us in prayer, sometimes offering prayers for healing and sometimes as a tribute
ReplyDeleteThanks for your WORDS of encouragement and the reminder that WORDS are so important. Keep writing, I am eager to read more
ReplyDeletelove you, Cricket
April, I've got some words I want to share with you! But love your new blog. Love the look, and the feel, too. Can't wait to see more!
ReplyDeleteLovely blog! You write beautifully. Can't wait to see more!
ReplyDeleteWords do have power. Words spoken in haste, anger, or vengeance can be compared to taking a feather pillow to an open window and shaking it. All those feathers can never be recovered even if a tremendous effort were made to find them. In the same way, words can never be taken back even if an apology is made, forgiveness asked, or an explanation given. Words have consequences. May our words always be spoken to elicit wisdom, encouragement and joy. This illustration did not originate with me, but thanks for making me think. Lovies,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great illustration! Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteWords have meaning, on several levels. The strict definition of a word may be it's primary meaning, and can most accurately convey thoughts, reasonings and arguments, and can also be refuted, or explained away. But the emotional tenor and connotation of the way they are delivered is much more lasting and more likely to be remembered, even if less accurate or not accurate at all. Words offered in sympathy may be forgotten, but those who are comforted will remember that they were comforted. While those who were screamed at, insulted, or put down may forgive the strict meaning of what was said, but it's *much* harder to forget the way they were said.
ReplyDeleteSo true April! The words of parents, spouses, professors, friends, and even our children, can leave lasting monuments of victory and joy, or lingering scars of pain. Too many of us are victims of the latter.
ReplyDeleteMay we always use our tongues to build up and never to tear apart.
Well said April, I' m enjoying reafing your wors of wisdom and miss talking to you. I am going to continue folliwing your blog! I am very proud of you lady.
ReplyDelete