When I type “Sticks and Stones” in Google, here is what comes up:
“An English-language children’s rhyme. The rhyme is used as a defense against name-calling and verbal bullying, intended to increase resiliency, avoid physical retaliation, and to remain calm and good living.” The full rhyme goes like this:
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me
Although I appreciate the thought behind this rhyme, I could not disagree with it more. Sticks and stones can and will break our bones, but those wounds with time they will heal, and eventually will be forgotten. But words…as much as we’d like to tell ourselves they don’t hurt us, the pain they inflict penetrates much deeper than any other injury, leaving us with scars that alter who we are, change our perspective, and break our trust. Scars that leave us in long-lasting pain!
Our words have incredible power and they are a challenge to control at times, leaving us with regret and even pain. Not only do they bring blessings to others but they can also bring a curse. There is a reason why we are reminded to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.
There is always room for grace and mercy in our words, our thoughts, and our actions. Just imagine how much better our world would be and how much of its pain would be eradicated if we only spend more time seasoning our words with encouragement instead of insult and hurt.
