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Friday 1 May 2009

sticks and stones

One of the biggest lies we are ever told:

Sticks and stones may break my bones
but names will never hurt me

Really?

Our culture does not like long silences. We live in a world of words. And what happens with a slip of a tongue, a thoughtless remark, a malicious comment? Fractured relationships, failed businesses, regret. All because of – what? The power of words.

We talk all the time. To each other and yes, to ourselves, even if not out loud. We use words to convince, to persuade, to entertain. A lot of attention is given to those who talk a lot, and those who use words as part of their profession. Words can hold glamour, humour, and exercise extraordinary power. Words are dangerous.

But words are so easy to use, aren’t they? And how often do people really think before they speak? How much damage can people do with a simple thoughtless comment? Sometimes these words are used in childhood. One condemning sentence said by one person at one particular point in our lives can change our attitude forever. How easy it is to hear the echo of those words, bouncing down over the years, ready to sneak up on us when we are weary or anxious, or reminded of that hurtful remark.

James (in the bible) knew about the power of the tongue. If you can control that, the rest of it is easy in comparison. The tongue is the power centre of our bodies, it is the most inflammatory possession we have, full of potential for both bad and good. Reckless speech damages lives.

Jesus said: out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.


How we talk reveals things about our character. Are we bitter? Then our words will be harsh. Are we angry? Then our words will be irritable. Are we filled with hurt that we won’t admit to? Then our words will be defensive. Are we peaceful? Then our words will be words of peace.

So many parts of the bible, particularly in Proverbs, but also in the New Testament letters, talk about keeping watch over our lips – to think about what we say, so that recklessness and thoughtlessness are guarded against. We are told to take responsibility for what we say. We are told to speak with gentleness. We are told to season our conversation with salt. We are to love with our words.

Sticks and stones may break my bones,

but names - words - will never hurt me.

Sometimes this is true. Sometimes we are so encouraged by others, or sure of the love we have been shown, that one little jibe is easily deflected. But often destructive words do just that – destroy. Destroy peace, destroy joy, destroy security.

Many harmful sentences contain the following words:


‘You’re always…You’re never…You’re too…You’re just not…'

Fill in the blanks. These words can be completely crushing, especially in the context of an argument. Always and never – are nearly always false, and practically never true. It’s good to avoid these words in that kind of context. They are also intrinsic to rumour and gossip. She’s always like that. He never does this. And yet we are called not to judge. We cannot see the stones in other people’s shoes. We’re all guilty of something – when it comes to words.

But the tongue, for all its potential destructive power, can be a great healer.
Proverbs 15 verse 4 says: The tongue that brings healing gives life.
There is power for good in our words. If we use words to heal, not harm, we can repair damaged lives, and show God’s love to those who are wounded in spirit and in mind.

I think I've posted this before, at least I think so - but I'll repeat it here:

Teach me how to speak Lord - teach me how to love with my words
that I may soothe, not scratch; heal, not scar

teach me how to be silent, Lord
when it can be so easy to speak carelessly ,or impatiently
may I be wise, may I think first

Teach me to speak for you Lord - may I be so attuned to your heart cry
that my love for you spills over, and your love through my words

and when I am broken down by the words of others
Lord, be my healer. For you can mend all things.



8 comments:

LA said...

So true. Thanks for this post Lucy

Sheryl said...

what a fabulous post! such truth!

i have detailed memories of words spoken that were meant to tear me down. for a time, they probably did tear me down. i also can remember those words that spoke life into me. our words are vitally important.

there is a verse in psalms that speaks of God setting a guard over my mouth and keeping watch over the door of my lips. it is something i must pray often. thanks for the reminder and the good words today.

Judith said...

often when I am listening to someone who is hurt/pain the problem behind the problem is negative 'words' that someone had said to them many many years ago and they have left an imprint in their lives.

You are so right - how we do so need to be careful in our thoughts which lead to our speech. Take care, Judith

sarah in the woods said...

I've just given you the lemonade stand award:
http://theforestroom.blogspot.com/2009/05/lemonade-stand.html

Matthew said...

As well as being a very good explanation of words and their effect, you really know how to use words to make your blog a very good one.

I'm following your blog as I feel it is a very good one, much better than others I read.

Verna said...

Sometimes I think words hurt as much as it would if someone beat us up.

I always try to remember what Mother taught us years ago. "If you can't say something nice to or about a person, then don't say it at all".

Great post.
Have a great day.

Angela said...

Great post - I have mentioned it on my blog this afternoon!!
love and blessings xx

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful post. I've been musing on something very similar, but you've put it so much more eloquently than I could.

I remember things people said to me as a child, and they affect me uncomfortably even now.

"The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people."- Richard Foster