“Words and hearts should be handled
with care, for words misspoken and hearts when broken are the
hardest things to repair.” ~ Unknown
Ever do this? Say something then feel the immediate twinge of regret? You wish, how you wish, you could somehow take them back. But they stick like glue. Sometimes they are just casual, oh so casual, “I didn’t really mean it.” We utter them right off the top of our head, just because we need to talk–oh, how we need to say something—oh, how we always need to be saying something. Sometimes they are tinged with hints of sarcasm—just enough hint to hurt.
Sometimes we lash out in anger. And that’s the worst kind—so far from kind. And then there’s the so unkind kind that cuts … deep, sometimes scarring to permanence—like a car that’s been wrecked and declared totaled. Total damage. If we would but look into the eyes, we would see the heart of each. But no, we shrug away, whispering, “So what.” Our culture actually takes pride in telling someone off. We hang on to the brash words of reality television and celebrate the celebrity spewing trash-talk. Bullying is a problem among our children. It’s like we celebrate hate.
What have we become?
Yes, conflict is part and parcel of life. But my mother used to say “Fight nice.” The word hate was so repulsed it was never allowed in our home, under any circumstances. Words can build or destroy. Choose them wisely—to soothe, heal, protect, build.
Why not declare to say, today, words tinged with, dare I say, love? And if you have nothing to say, it’s perfectly
okay to just say nothing.
“Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent.” Proverbs
17:28a
“Let your speech be always with grace.”
Colossians 4:6a
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” ~
Plato
SimplySage 
FeyGirl
/ July 14, 2012I absolutely love, and remind myself of (and like to live by), Plato’s quote… ♥
SimplySage
/ July 14, 2012Beautiful to hear that.
Live and share this message. Maybe we can turn the tide around.
Thanks for the visit and taking the time to comment.
messyme
/ July 14, 2012First of all, some beautiful thoughts there. I try really hard to think before I speak, but sometimes it just happens. I need to try harder. Second, these are gorgeous photos. I love love the pink.
SimplySage
/ July 14, 2012Any effort on your part far exceeds the loose-lipped culture of today. Slips of the tongue are human nature and most can be remedied by an apology. It’s when left untamed, they become ingrained habits that can cross lines.
Glad you loved the photos. They are called Knock-Out roses. Stunning colors and shape–not much fragrance. Always a trade-off!
Thanks for the visit and comments.
Alexandria
Kathryn McCullough
/ July 14, 2012Gosh, you’re right. We do seem to celebrate hate. So sad–tragic, actually. Amen to the bit about practicing love instead.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Hugs,
Kathy
SimplySage
/ July 15, 2012Tragic is a good description. Even when there is conflict, words can be spoken in a kind manner. Real communication ceases anyway when anger creeps in.
Thanks for the visit and thoughtful comment, Kathy.
I am having a nice weekend. Best to you as well!
Alexandria
Amy
/ July 15, 2012Beautiful post! Thank you so much for the reminder–handle with care!
SimplySage
/ July 15, 2012I’m glad you liked it. We all need the reminder. I know if we practice kind words on a personal level we can influence those around us. Thus, we can influence the world.
Thanks for dropping by and taking the time to comment.
Amy
/ July 15, 2012I should practice it more often… I sometimes remind myself that people may not mean as I perceive. Thanks again!
lillianccc
/ July 15, 2012You’re so right, especially the last bit about it being okay to just say nothing if you don’t have anything to say. Nowadays, people like to excuse their rudeness by saying, “I’m just being honest” or “I’m being real.” But really, we can all be honest and “real” without being mean. Beautiful post and beautiful photos!
Tiffany Blackburn
/ July 23, 2012I stumbled upon your blog and continued to read on. 🙂 I enjoy your writing and especially liked this post; it’s so true. I really need to do a better job of practicing this!
SimplySage
/ July 24, 2012So nice to meet you Tiffany. And thank you for such kind words. In our new world of word abundance I think we all need to exercise kindness. It does require practice. You put that well! Your words meant a lot to me.
Thank you as well for the follow. I’m very honored.
Peace,
Alexandria
monkeymuesli
/ August 22, 2012i suppose in a world where it’s so easy to splatter your thoughts all over the internet, immediately and without much thought, it’s also easy to forget that, sometimes, knowing what NOT to say is as important as (if not more than) knowing what to say…
SimplySage
/ August 24, 2012Well said!
Thanks for your visit and the follow.
Nice to meet you!
Peace,
Alexandria
Blood-Ink-Diary
/ September 7, 2012Wonderful post ! Cheers.
SimplySage
/ September 7, 2012Thank you very much and thanks for visiting!
Peace,
Alexandria
The Retiring Sort
/ December 17, 2012Beautifully said!