Four-Letter Assault

The Words We Bring Into Existence Have the Power to Destroy or Heal

I was 25-years old and new on the job. My latest occupational choice had me selling ads for a newspaper. As an introvert with a background in psychology and work experience in social services, I knew this endeavor was a huge stretch.

One afternoon, I received a call from a business owner whose account I managed. He asked me why their daily advertisement had not been in the newspaper the previous days. I realized very quickly that I had failed to schedule them. Before I could finish my meager apology, the assault began. 

His word arsenal was vast and varied. He first launched the four-letter arrows to test my defenses. Realizing there would be no counter-attack, his forces pummeled me with belittling and disparaging remarks about my intellect and occupation. With my walls obliterated and my own words in stunned retreat, he cut me down, screaming f-bomb after f-bomb before slamming the phone down.

My legs were pallbearers carrying my lifeless body out of my cubicle to my place of rest (the restroom), where I closed the stall door and began to cry.

On that day, I learned firsthand how deeply words penetrate. 

And in our tenuous, divided, and fragile country, we need to rethink how we speak to each other. 

The words we casually and carelessly express each day have profound power and impact on every bullied and harassed person. Our words may cause a person to doubt their worth and value. And for a person who has been verbally torn apart their entire life and can't take another hostile and demeaning word, what we speak into existence can destroy them. What we say and how we say it can push someone contemplating suicide over the edge.

The truth is that we never fully understand what a person is dealing with on the inside. That is why we should be slow to speak and thoughtful in what we say to others. 

This miraculous vibrating air that manifests into exquisite expression can either be a weapon or a healing salve. In it contains the potential to destroy or restore, curse or bless, and divide or bring together. Our voices have the power to burn down mighty forests or join the heavenly refrain of all creation. 

From the abundance of our hearts so flow our words.

Question

1. As you contemplate your words this week, please also make it a goal to share this article or discuss this topic with your children, grandchildren, or other children/teenagers/young adults you may know.