Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Sticks and Stones


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A while ago I lived over a crack addict who was also a prostitute. Her name was Loretta and she made my life hell. She hated me and made no bones about it. One day, while on one of her rants she began to talk about how much she hated me. She said, and I quote, " I don't like her style. I don't like the way she carries herself. I don't like the way she talks, I don't like the way she sings." Although Loretta did her best to drive me as crazy as she was, I have to admit, I couldn't help but appreciate her honesty. . . she didn't lie to herself or anyone else about why she had an issue with me. That's more than I can say for most people I've been in conflict with over the years. . .

I remember being told as a child, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." But as an adult I have to say I've found those words to ring insanely hollow. Over the last 41 years of my life I have witnessed the destruction words, and more precisely gossip, can render. I have seen them bring political campaigns to a screetching halt. I have seen them split churches and destroy ministries, I have seen them divide families and break up couples. I have witnessed job loss and alienation, mental illness and suicide attempts, all due to the destructive power of words.

Words.
Harmless?
I think not.

I believe they can be one of the most harmful forces on earth. They wound us, yet leave us alive to bear the acute pain left in their wake. They can bring about a hemorrhage within our emotions that can bleed indefinitely.

8 comments:

Madcap said...

St. James knew what he was talking about, the tongue is like a fire, etc.

voixd'ange said...

Amen!

Constantine said...

You got that one right Mi Amiga. I always thought that axiom was b.s. Words can pierce the soul.

Have you or MCM read "The Wizard's Tide" yet?

voixd'ange said...

Not yet. Finished Archangel, started Secrets.

Madcap said...

Not yet. My library system doesn't seem to be overstocked with Buechner.

Sarah Elaine said...

Words can indeed hurt... slice... sever... scar...

And they can also heal...

Here's wishing you many healing, soothing words for the coming year...

The words in your blog are thought-ful. Always.

Shell said...

Words are sticks and stones.. I can still recall "Words" that hurt me from 20 years ago.. the sound of them ring in my head from time to time...

I am a firm believer of If you have nothing good to say then don't say anything at all...

Id rather be niece then face some of my own truths...honesty is not always the best policy..

I think children are the worst for "telling it how it is"

Have a Happy New Year !!

voixd'ange said...

Thank you gorigirl! You have a happy New Year as well!