Words are some of the most powerful tools available to us. The power of a word can build or destroy in an instant and every word builds upon itself empowering its subject or tearing it apart. But what’s most fascinating about words is that it’s intention and perception can be completely opposite. How we use and understand words is what separates us and no matter the intention, it is on the individual on how they perceive it, digest it, and let it manifest in their spirit. Every word, comment, and conversation can be used for motivation or inspiration. Your detractors may be many, but that same ridicule can be used as an ignition to fuel the fire within and push you to reach deeper. Compliments sometimes are few and far in between, but when we receive them, it can be an inspiration to carry us, affirmation to let us know we’re on the right path, and a needed boost to get us over the hump and let us know that what we are doing makes a difference to someone. Choose your words wisely and remember their power and influence. It’s easier to demolish a building than it is to resurrect and the same is true with a person’s psyche. It is so hard to give someone their confidence back, their self-esteem, and so easy to damage it. Today, and every opportunity you can, speak life, speak strength, speak courage, speak happiness, speak thankfulness, speak gratitude, speak possibility, and even when we have to give criticism, discipline, unsettling opinions, speak that too in love. Let your words uplift the hearts and minds of the listener and plant a garden that shall grow truth, wisdom, and love.
Nails In the Fence
Author Unknown
There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.
Finally the day came when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.
The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, “You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won’t matter how many times you say I’m sorry, the wound is still there.”
The little boy then understood how powerful his words were. He looked up at his father and said, “I hope you can forgive me father for the holes I put in you.” “Of course I can,” said the father.