Write It Out: Instruction Video
“Tom had known he should stop her; he’d known he should step between her and Robert and say, “Ma’am, excuse me, but you don’t want to say those things, you really mustn’t say those things, please come away now.” He should have put an arm around her and steered her away, forcibly if necessary, given her into the safekeeping of someone, anyone, so that she could not let loose into the world words that should never, ever, have been spoken. He knew he should do that but he was unable to move. He felt rather than saw Robert stagger back, though the woman hadn’t struck him with anything but words. Later he saw that Robert’s mother had collapsed and that people were gathered around her. He also saw Robert’s father, Reverend Thomas, standing as if carved from stone, one hand partially raised as though to stop the appalling words before they reached his son, his mouth half open as if he’d tried to say something but at this, the most critical moment of his life, had lost the power of speech.”
How often do we feel pressured to say certain things, but we pause? We pause because there is something that perhaps doesn’t feel quite right. What’s up with that? What’s the big deal?
The big deal is that we are right to pause, because there is power in words. There is great power in written word, but even stronger power in words that are spoken. You know this because when you say something you really believe in, you get goosebumps. You get a lump in your throat. You have “more skin in the game”.
Let’s use the power of our words for good: for connection, for making the world a better place. Let’s stay away from the dark side, and keep towards the light. Take a breath and think before you use your words – perhaps try to teach with your story. You may just save a life.
Thoughts? Feel free to share them here.
