Photo by Fabien Bazanegue
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” During my youthful days, this was one of my mantras. Now that I am mature and wiser, I have learned that one can heal more easily from broken bones, than hurtful words. I am sure I have hurt others with my words, just as I have been hurt by the words of others.
“…Whatever You Say Bounces off Me and Sticks to You.”
And I have learned, and am learning, to forgive and use words to encourage and to heal. Just as words hurt, they can heal. Which reminds me of my fourth grade adage, “I am rubber and you are glue, whatever you say bounces off of me and sticks to you.” So, my prayer is that when we speak to people, strangers, family, co-workers, and friends; those we love and those we love not so much the words that bounce and stick are compassionate, helpful, pleasing, joyful and peaceable. Words that are not profane, malicious and evil, cause catastrophe or strife. Always remembering, if you can say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.