We literally ingest the messages we get from our childhood, metabolizing them into words of personal strength and capability, or weakness and ineptitude. Then these ideas, strung out into repetitions reinforced by experience, form the architectural framework for all of our life experiences. (Marsha Sinetar)
The old adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me,” couldn’t be further from the truth.
Not long ago a visiting evangelist was preaching to an assembly of all ages. Shortly after he stood behind the pulpit to begin his sermon, he stepped down and stood in front of the congregation to be closer to them. Immediately a young man about 16 years old jumped up and started to fetch a stand for the man’s notes. He had just gotten out of his seat on the front row and was about to walk in front of the evangelist when the man said, “Where are you going?”
“To get a podium for you.”
“No, no, I don’t need one.”
The story could have ended there with the young man embarrassed for his initiative and spontaneity. Maybe next time he would have hesitated to be so helpful, worried he would do something wrong.
Instead, the thoughtful evangelist said, “Thank you, though. Give this young man a raise!” With those few kind words the boy beamed with a smile of relief and joy. A dose of confidence had just been given to him.
How much time and energy did it take for the evangelist to say those words? Not much at all, but I suspect the results far outweigh the effort.
What messages are we sending our children?
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