We forget that although we are writing these words to a computer screen, there are real people on the other side of our screen. This used to be a problem only to forums and message boards, but these days, it permeates every corner of our society.
Words matter. Words can hurt. Words can lift others up. It is how we use our words and our speech that either makes us more human or less. We cannot just sit idly by and spew words, not thinking or caring what they mean to our own civilization and the world as a whole.
Words cannot just be for gain over another human or group or ideology. Words cannot just be for winning at all costs. Words cannot just be one thing you say one minute and then revise the next. For our words are what we communicate to others and words do have consequences. People will know us not only by our actions, but by our words.
Words hurt..
In this day we are living in, words seem to either hurt and inflame, or disregard the very nature of human existence. Many are oblivious to what they say and they feel because of whatever hurt or experience has happened in their own life, they are free to say what they want. In fact, many believe that it is their right to do so.
Yet, when the words are hurled back upon them, they think others are being unfair. Never mind that what they spew is beyond horrible. It is only what others say to them. It is sad because while they cannot take their own medicine, they don't understand any longer that words have consequences.
Speaking out both sides of your mouth...
When you speak out of both sides of your mouth, what should those that hear think? How will they know which conclusion to reach about what you say? If you are constantly saying one thing just to win, but then you're acting and saying something different, your words are like standing in sinking sand. There is nothing for anyone to solidly stand on.
I grew up in a house where individuals said one thing, but would do another. I grew up in a house where one thing was said one moment, only for the next moment to be the complete opposite. I grew up in a house where individuals would say whatever they wanted, not caring how deeply it hurt others and having absolutely no love in their hears. They did not understand that words have consequences.
When people don't care about the words they spew, you can't get down in the gutter with them. You're not going to win that battle because ignorance will prevail. It takes deep love and compassion for them. Sometimes it takes walking away from them, for if they never listen, the words will be meaningless and fall on ears that can never hear.
Words have consequences and the only replacement for them is love and compassion in our hearts. We need to make sure we are not pointing our fingers at others for failing to understand this when we take the same approach.
These days, through all the screaming online and in the news, there are very few that really understand that words have consequences. May we all begin to ponder how we use our words. May we search our own hearts before pointing the fingers at everyone else. After all, it is not just everybody else that is the problem.
#Words
Blog Post And Images (c) 2016 by Don Shetterly
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Excellent piece.
ReplyDeleteThank you from California.