Was it really fifty-three years ago? How strange it seems to look back at the assassination of John F. Kennedy and realize it was so long ago. For those of us old enough to remember, we know where we were and what we were doing when we heard the unbelievable words that the President of the United States had been shot. I don’t like to think about that dark, incomprehensible time; yet, on the anniversary of his death, I do remember the shock and the sadness, and then, move on, praying that our Nation will never know such a time again.
Evil exists in this world. It’s evident everywhere and seems to have a hold on many willing and susceptible minds. With everything that’s good, bright, lovely and right, isn’t it strange that some should spend their days thinking of ways to kill their fellow-man? What twisted, dark minds they must have. We are here on this earth for a short time and then, eternity stretches before us, unending and inescapable. I believe inflicting intentional harm will have its just reward.
It may not be in the conventional sense, but we all have an arsenal at our disposal. Our arsenal is words. We can use those words to wound hearts and kill hope and destroy lives and reputations. Or, we can use those words to combat evil as we see it, bring hope and encouragement, and defend those who cannot defend themselves.
Have you ever unintentionally said something that wounded others? I have and when I saw the pain on their faces, apologized. Or, maybe, sad to say, gotten a short-lived satisfaction from smacking someone down with just the right thrust of a sharp retort. Those are the instances that haunt one in the dark hours of the night when sleep will not come. But, happily, there are other memories; the smile from a word of praise; the start of a warm friendship with a sincerely meant expression of concern.
Words can be used to build up confidence, bring warmth and gladness, or turn a great day into a dismal failure. We all are armed with this weaponry. Our wisdom and emotional maturity determine how we use it.
When I was a child, I remember youngsters saying about someone else, “She’s a Know-It-All.” Oh, boy! No one wanted to be labeled a Know-It-All. That affliction sometimes follows us into adulthood. Being a teacher, I am well acquainted with the disorder. If I know the correct or a better way, and feel it is my Purpose On Earth to instruct others, there is a kind way of doing so without destroying someone else’s self-esteem.
Words! May they be used for healing and encouragement instead of wounding and killing. It’s totally up to us.
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