Every word we speak affects us as well as those who hear the words. Words have power. This power can build up and edify. This power can also tear down and destroy. Words can comfort as well as embarrass and shame. Yes, we can apologize for words spoken and may be forgiven by those offended. Yet words cannot be erased once expressed.
Once a man in a small town loved to spread gossip and often speak sarcastically and harshly to others, as well as outright lie to them. He would typically apologize soon after spreading gossip, offending others or getting caught in his lies. He felt the rapid apology made his behavior acceptable. In time, more and more of the towns people cut off association with him. He was discouraged and wanted to understand why. He went to see one of the older townsfolk who had a reputation for being very wise. He explained his situation to the older fellow. The old man handed the confused man a large bag of feathers. He instructed him to open the bag and shake the feathers into the wind. He did so, rather enjoying himself. When the bag was empty, he was then instructed to collect every feather that had blown in the wind. He ran frantically picking up feathers while all the time feathers were being carried by the wind great distances and different directions. Exhausted and frustrated he returned to the wise man explaining that the task was impossible. Many of the feathers were simply too far away, too scattered or impossible to find. The wise man then explained that our words are like feathers in the wind. Once released, they cannot all be retracted or collected. The hurt, the damage was done.
Let us be aware and cautious of the words we speak. Our words can be as gems rather than stones.
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