Words

The Power of Words...

Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me!  How many of us remember hearing that as a youngster or saying it?  (I do!)

What we know, today, is that sticks and stones do break bones, and often leave scares.  And we know that names and words do not break bones, and they often leave scares.  Let’s just see how…

I invite you right now to find a piece of paper.  Any will do.  I ask you to write down a few words, words that you remember either calling someone else or being called in your life.  Go ahead.  Write them down.  Now, I would like you to crumple up, roll up and smash that piece of paper in your hands.  Go ahead.  Now, I would like you to unfold it.  And using your hands make it as smooth as you can.  Go ahead.  Roll it back out.  Stroke your hand across the paper trying to get out every last crease.

Hold that paper up in your hand.  Are all the lines gone leaving the paper exactly as it was BEFORE the words were written?  No.  No the wrinkles and the words remain.  Perhaps a bit faded or hard to read but they are still there nonetheless.

And so are those words.  Much like sticks and stones, words can have a lasting impact on ones life.  In both a positive and negative way.

For those separated by distance, perhaps traveling for work, confined, imprisoned, military deployment, or life journey letters, emails and voice mails can mean the difference for so many trying to stay connected to family, loved ones and friends.  It is that needed vital link to their life.  Without them they can feel disconnected, alone, and without.

And words can be powerful in a harmful way as well.  If you tell someone that they are pathetic, they will become pathetic.  If at work you tell others that someone is lazy, no good and worthless, they will become lazy, no good and worthless. 

A great teacher said “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”  And so shall we have that opportunity.    

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One word at a time.

Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain.  He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!  Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals