WHAT MATTERS IS NOT WORDS, BUT INTENT.

Ever had to eat your words? It’s kinda like squeezing out too much toothpaste. What do ya do with it after it’s out?

Mama use to say, “if ya can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything at all.” Enduring wisdom in that old adage. Growing up I often ignored mama’s instructions. I wanted to tell people off who I knew intentionally meant to hurt me. But mama would smile and say, “you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” Forty years ago that sounded simple; today I give pause to it.

I mean, I don’t much like flies. I rather abhor the pesky little things. Just think what they breed! Given that fact, I learned not to take all words literally. I learned to understand the intent of mama’s words.

I think whatever we say brings its own reward. Kind words breed kind reactions and often, positive responses. Soft answers turn away wrath. A word fitly spoken at the proper time uplifts, encourages and inspires. It doesn’t take a lot of words to accomplish this. Please. Thank you. Great job. Hello. Excuse me. I’m sorry. Will you forgive me? I love you.

Definitely a bunch of power in words, doncha think? You’ve probably said those things at times. Maybe some have been said to you. How’d you feel? I think I feel just as good, if not better, when I use those words than when I hear those words.

Mama also said, “sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Now, I think that’s plain wrong. I know people filling up counselors’ offices, filing divorce papers, dividing churches, and killing people over words.
Words can be damaging. They can echo in the minds of people till they die. Once spoken (or written), they can impact, edify or destroy.

WHAT MATTERS is that we choose our words wisely. And perhaps instead of being so quick to spit them out, we oughta try swallowing a few.