WORDS MATTER

Lately, I've been contemplating the value of words and why and where they matter most. Do actions really speak louder than words? Maybe; Probably; but words are equally important. All words have meaning, and because they have meaning, they have power. And because words have power, they have consequences. Words aide us in sharing our ideas, telling stories, reliving memories, and in expressing opinions and emotions. In literature, words become essential for creating a memorable plot or an unforgettable character. For me, an author who comes immediately to mind for his proficiency in his descriptive prose was Pat Conroy (Prince of Tides, The Great Santini, Beach Music, The Losing Season, etc.) In Politics, crime and racism increase with the use of inflammatory speech. Divisive language can make a crisis worse and even incite violence. In the context of teaching History, books are now being banned because they don't align with some people's opinions on race, religious values, the actual events of history, their sexual orientation, or gender identity. Shouldn't all available information be taught to help individuals develop reasoning skills and see different sides of a story? Should we, instead, have an inaccurate and cleansed view of these issues? No matter how difficult it may be to discuss an uncomfortable situation, we can't deny or ignore factual information to curious students. We must provide all the facts-we cannot censor information because we don't necessarily agree with it or understand it. In relationships, words are important in the way we deal with other people. Especially people who may hold an adversarial opinion. Words illustrate an acute understanding of the workings of human relationships. They provide what a person's motivation is and why we do what we do. Our words can clarify the feelings and thoughts of those whom we love, or with our friends, and with work associates. In a marriage, words can often cause a misunderstanding. Or should I say, the tone of what you express may sound like a criticism rather than concern. Check yourself before you speak and don't be careless with your words. Communication is key. Sometimes, with the best intentions, when we think we are expressing compassion or empathy, someone might react negatively to our words. Why does this happen? Perhaps they heard you correctly, but for various reasons, they comprehended them in a manner that was completely inconsistent with your intent. Possibly, their bias or current emotions clouded their ability to interpret; or maybe their anger/stress clouded their perspective. You cannot control other peoples perceptions of your spoken words or their reactions, but you should be aware that language is powerful. I guess you can try to clarify what you meant and explain that you were speaking with kindness. Either this will solve the issue, or the relationship will be forever damaged. You won't know until you try. It is important to recognize that positive words can encourage, heal, inspire, and make peace. Negative words can hurt, destroy, cause hate and war. We should all be more cognizant of the repercussions of our words and how we convey them. "WORDS CAN LIGHT FIRES IN THE MINDS OF MEN. WORDS CAN WRING TEARS FROM THE HARDEST HEARTS." (Patrick Rothfuss) "WORDS ARE,IN MY NOT-SO-HUMBLE OPINION, OUR MOST EXHAUSTIBLE SOURCE OF MAGIC, CAPABLE OF BOTH INFLICTING INJURY , AND REMEDYING IT." (J.K. ROWLING) HAPPY FOURTH-BE SAFE! PEACE OUT-ONE B