Sticks and stones...

I remember when I was a kid we used to say that old poem...sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. The only problem with that is...it's just not true. Words often hurt much worse than sticks and stones.

I'm just as guilty as the next person. I've done it. I've intentionally said something that I knew would hurt someone. And once it's been said...you can't really take it back. It's out there. And whether or not it was true to begin with...it hurts like hell.

And I've never really thought about it until now, but words that are written down hurt even worse, don't they? Because then the person had a chance to think before they wrote...which isn't always the case when we speak. And written words never go away. They are there in black and white to remind us again and again of the words that hurt us most.

So, today I will be more careful with my words. I will try my best to use words that build up instead of tear down. I'll try to be less sarcastic and more loving. I'll try to encourage people who get on my nerves and I'll tell the people that I love how much I love them.

And for you, my friend...who got hurt by words...I love you. Keep words that are said with love closer to your heart than the ones said with anger and spite. And let your actions speak louder than her words.