Most of us have heard the saying “Sticks and Stones may break your bones but names can never hurt you”…but after witnessing stories in the news of people killing themselves, or others because of the taunting and mean words spoken to them over years it is obvious that words are a much more powerful thing that this little saying lets on.
Words truly do have the power to build a life or destroy it. They have the power to encourage or tear down, to empower or devastate. Words are what starts action…Martin Luther King spoke words that motivated and uplifted, that changed the world, as did Mandela, Gandhi, Mother Theresa and many more…words also were used by Adolf Hitler to destroy and cause the most horrific and horrendous acts possible. Words preceded action, words convinced, influenced, set in motion the future that unraveled after they spoke. Words teach…either right or wrong. Words once spoken are forever out there, once said always said.
Words can help a child reach for the stars or hide in the basement their entire lives. They can make a day or destroy a life. They can build dreams or chip away at any shred of self esteem the person hearing them has. Words change lives.
My daughter has a gift with words, she is an incredible poet and writer. She recently slipped a poem into a book (that she gave me). Her gift of words to me will always be the most precious and cherished gift I have received. No expensive item could compare. Nothing will ever mean more to me than my daughter and the simple gift of her words—
