Sticks And Stones

Sticks and Stones

Today I bent the truth to be kind, and I have no regret, for I am far surer of what is kind than I am of what is true. —Robert Brault

“STICKS AND STONES may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.”

Oh, good grief! We need to stop propagating this lie.

Whoever made up this little ditty of a saying either had no experience, no heart, or no enemies. Words not only hurt—they can destroy. The wrong words, used at the wrong time, can destroy someone’s self-esteem; they can destroy both new and old friendships; and they can destroy the ties that bind families together. It doesn’t matter if you’re six or sixty, words can either heal or harm. And the healing, if it does occur, usually takes a lifetime.

We try desperately to move beyond those things told to us as children, sometimes by the very people whose job it was to build our self-confidence. We work hard to forgive and forget cutting words yelled, or worse, quietly released at us by the man we promised to have and to hold. And many of us try to shake off arrows that were slung our way in last week’s business meeting by our trusted colleagues. Yes, we know how words hurt us. But rarely do we consider our own role when it comes to word choices. Living in our “all about me” world, I’m afraid we ignore the effect of the syllables we hurl.

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. (Ephesians 4:29)

I think we could all use a reminder that our words—both the things said and those things not said—have the power and energy to make people whole or to tear them down.

Will you choose your words wisely today? And when you do speak the truth, will you also be kind?