Words

We Live by Our Words

When uttered without considered thought, words inflict pain, and cause sorrow. A word is like the shimmering chime of a bell. Once struck the sound cannot be undone and unnoticeably slipped back into the instrument. What is heard is everlasting.

We should all think carefully before crafting a phrase, and slipping it loose for all to hear. Our selection and use of words demonstrate to all who listen, just who we are.

Words have great stealth as a weapon, they are never detected before launch, and rarely miss their mark when fired in anger. Though not physically felt their thoughtlessness can summon terrible responses.

Too often words are shot across the bow of a relationship to provide a warning. Unfortunately the aim is misdirected hitting the relationship in its heart, and sinking it to the depths from where it can never be recovered. Of course that was not the intent, only the result.

A lifetime of good work can be undone with one clumsy remark. The unskillful choice of words causes opportunities to vaporize, and fade into the mist of what should have been. A word can remove hope when there was promise.

Words support the unrealistic, and overwhelming need to win at all costs. Too frequently they are used without reflection as to the long-term consequences. They win the moment, and . . . lose the years. The consequences sometimes last forever.

Relying on forgiveness is indeed risky. Forgiveness happens sometimes, occasionally forever, is frequently fleeting, and often it will never be. What is said is not forgotten, and will crawl back into the conscious memories of those we hurt when they are in their solitary moments of life's reflection.

Too often we select words that inflect damage rather than those that demonstrate kindness. How we choose to respond, and react, reveals our character.

Thoughtfully picked words can provide delight, ease suffering, and establish hope. Words invoke great joy, and inspire heartfelt emotion. Words are the bricks we use to construct our life’s path that leads us to the future.