Water and Words

I just read a wonderful blog about the power of water, entitled, “Water Water Everywhere, Not a Drop to Drink“. The writer, Pradnya, is from the area we all know by many visual news stories from Christmas Tsunami in 2004. What an excellent read! In this story, she talks of the necessity of water, it’s power and, of course, the ability to cause destruction.

This blog inspired me to think about a phrase I’ve said many times over the years, “We have the power to heal as well as the power to destroy.” In context, this phrase was used in teaching about the use or misuse of words. Words are powerful, no one can argue that. They give us inspiration, direction, encouragement, and curses. One word used in a caring, thoughtful way can change someone’s life for the better in an instant.

However, misuse of words can leave scars that last a lifetime. Inner bruises that no one can see but the receiver. Pain that healing salve finds difficult, sometimes impossible to reach. I remember a childhood saying, “Sticks & stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” Did I teach my children this lie? Please forgive me if I did. Words can destroy.

There is a prevalence of nasty, negative words used everyday. I hardly watch the news anymore, as there are times the news isn’t news at all. It is nasty propaganda. Many shows are the same. Social media has become a boxing match of vocabulary for many. This choice to hurt leaders, teachers, community service workers and on and on and on HAS GOT TO STOP! What are we teaching our children about:

Pride

Grace

Kindness

Chances

Second Chances

Joy

Giving of Oneself

Respect for elders, leaders, teachers?

(You can add to this list in comments!)

Just as water is needed daily for the body’s health and wellness, for crops and the sustenance of all living things. I believe words are as powerful. I believe that this movement of nasty negativity began as a trickle, a leak and it has become a raging, deadly flood. I also believe that this can change.

Will you become the leak of positivity?

Will you begin the day of grace in your corner of the world?

What would happen if kindness goes ‘viral?’

I believe it can. It begins with me. It begins with you . . .

Enjoying the Adventure,

Dr. Dink

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Water Water Everywhere, Not a Drop to Drink is found at: Peppered With Stories

Sunset Photo compliments of: Pam Martin

Please visit my other Blog: Brown Bag Letter –a blog of stories celebrating “personal history”. You will find antique anonymous photos connected to stories people have shared with me about their grandparents and family folklore.

I encourage you to visit other bloggers at the following sites. You’ll find almost everything imaginable that can be written, in every form, from all over the world!

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Pencliff