|
Tuesday, 03 November 2009 |
|
By Jeannetta Edwards
As a young girl, there was a song I learned in the small Baptist church where I was raised.
“Be careful little tongue what you say.”
Last week, I was reminded of that song as I listened to a verbal bashing from an angry politician over a wording choice, was told of a unhappy Boo Parade viewer's reaction to the cancellation, tried to soothe the hurt feelings of a young office worker who overheard her coworkers bashing someone and referring to them in profane terms in the office.
As children, we also said “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” That unfortunately is not true. Sometimes, words do hurt and the pain can linger for days, weeks, months and even years.
We live in stressful times. One never knows how words — whether positive or negative — affect another person. You can sometimes make a person's day with a kind word. On the other hand, you can ruin someone's with a negative word.
I am not saying “bite your tongue” constantly. Truly, I usually speak what is on my mind. But, one should try to do so in a diplomatic manner. My grandmother used to say, “If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.” Of course, there are some times when you simply can't say something nice and you feel compelled to say something. Those are the difficult times.
Once they are spoken, words cannot be recalled. Apologies often don't repair the damage. Time may or may not erase the memory of what was said. Biting your tongue may cause you a brief moment of pain, but it may save some one else many moments of consternation.
After all is say and done, the world would probably be a much better place if we practiced that simple little child's song.
“Be careful little tongue what you say.”
|
|
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 04 November 2009 )
|
