Sticks and Stones part 5
I've mentioned this a couple of times but I want to really hit it home as I end this Rant series: There's an old saying that goes, "Keep your words soft and sweet, because you might have to eat them." Which, to me, is really more about simple accountability than anything. "Did you say that?" Yes. Yes I did. And, just as a real quick aside, I think honesty is vitally important, because once trust is broken it is SOOO hard to put back together. But just as a practical nod, if you don't make up stories you don't have to try to remember them. You don't have to try to lie on top of a lie because you got caught in a lie. You can just tell the truth and let it stand for itself. And, yes, sometimes the truth will upset people. Sometimes the truth will ruffle some feathers. But it is still (always) better to stand on that Rock. If you're telling the truth, you can't be shaken. If you KNOW the truth, you can easily ignore the lie. But I'm talking about reaping what you sow, in a sense. One of my favorite lines from any movie ever is, "Don't start nothing... won't be nothing." And I've kind of modeled my life after that. I am perfectly content to stay on my side of the line and, for the most part, leave well enough alone. So if you still manage to cross the line... you get what you get. If you use your words to attack, to destroy, to hurt and to harm... its hard for me to have sympathy for you. Because you might not think they are, but words are important. What you say matters. I think at this point in my life people know two things about me: 1. I'm not going to say much. 2. If I say I'm going to do something... I'm going to do it. And this can surprise people, because a lot of people talk a lot of crap. They say things that they don't mean, or speak out in anger, and then get surprised when those actions have consequences. They use their words as sticks and stones and then can't understand why people don't want to listen to them. Well, they have to eat those words. Should have kept them soft and sweet. And I'm not saying if someone hits you you should hit back. I AM saying, fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on ME. If you lie to me, why would I then believe you the next time? You've shown me what you're about. And, again, I'm not going to retaliate against you. I just don't have any interest in dealing with that kind of stuff in my life. Life is too short. We need to surround ourselves with people that are good for us. And I understand reaching out a helping hand. I understand trying bring people into the fold, if I can say it that way. But if someone's not picking up what you're laying down... and they're constantly using and abusing you... love everybody. But love some people from a distance. Try. Give it everything you have. But once you give something everything you've got its either enough... or its not. Sometimes you do more damage by hanging on than letting go. Words are important. Sticks and stones can break bones. Words can hurt. But they can also heal. They can also shield and protect. They can edify and build up. So, one more old saying, "Two ears, one mouth." Listen more than you speak. And make sure you want to say it before you do!