“What Happened to Your Cat?”

The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

NOELLE BASKED IN THE WARMTH of the afternoon sun at the park. It seemed everyone was enjoying the weather. The normally quiet park was abuzz with activity as fellow sun-seekers jogged, walked, and pushed strollers along the tree-lined pathways.

“Doesn’t the sun feel good, Penny?” Noelle said, winding her cat’s leash around her hand.

She enjoyed these leisurely excursions with her tiny companion, allowing Penny time to attack a clump of grass or roll around on the sidewalk. The fresh air was invigorating.

As Noelle watched Penny explore, she heard someone say, “What a little cutie pie you are!”

A woman approached and knelt next to Penny. She began purring and rubbing against the woman’s leg. Then she flopped down and rolled onto her back for a tummy rub.

“You’re so sweet,” the woman said, laughing.

Penny was just getting started with her repertoire of tricks. She rolled back over and got up to demonstrate her ninja-like moves, culminating with a pounce on a stick. Noelle smiled and thought, I never get tired of seeing this.

But when she heard a gasp from the woman, Noelle mentally prepared herself for the words she knew would come next.

“Oh my goodness, what happened to your cat’s tail?” the woman asked, standing up and backing away.

I really need to get a T-shirt printed with the explanation, so I don’t have to keep saying this, Noelle silently lamented.

“Actually, nothing happened. She’s a bobtail—a breed known for their short, stubby little tails. Her tail just happens to be extra short—a little nub,” she said, wiggling the tip of her thumb in the air.

The woman kept staring at Penny’s back end. “The poor little thing! How awful.” The pity in her voice was unmistakable.

Ouch.

Noelle’s grip tightened on Penny’s leash as the little ninja sauntered to the sidewalk.

After completing a perfect roll, Penny turned toward the woman and waited to receive another belly rub. Instead, the woman gave Penny a quick pat on the head, wished Noelle a good day, and left.

Penny looked at Noelle, her expression saying, “Why didn’t she pet me longer? Did I do something bad?” Noelle was used to this reaction from strangers, but it broke her heart to see her cat’s confusion. One minute, people were showering Penny with attention, and the next, they were suddenly hurrying away.

Oh honey, people can be so oblivious to how hurtful their words and actions are. I would be devastated if someone rejected me for being different.

“Just because she’s different doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with her,” Noelle almost shouted out loud.

She picked up Penny and whispered in her ear, “You are the cutest, most talented, and most wonderful cat in the world. I love you.” Noelle kissed the tip of Penny’s nose. “Personally, I think tails are highly overrated. Don’t ever stop being you.”

PAWS & PONDER . . .

Has your heart ever been pierced by reckless words? Or been healed by compassionate words? Why do words wield so much power? What words are you longing to hear today?

Paws & Pray

Father God, speak your words over me today. I want your truth to be louder than any other words I hear. Lord, please heal the wounds I’ve been carrying from other people’s words. And may I use your words to bless others.