Sticks and Stones...

So, any of you who read my blog often hear me talk about my good friend Dan. He uses the written word so effectively and our conversation (or just reading his blog!) inspires me. I was recently reading his last blog entry and it was about how much power words have. His blog dealt specifically with a specific word used to describe gays. (You all know what word I am talking about...) But the overall theme of his blog has stuck with me. It has made me look at words I use everyday... and how those words affect the world around me--and the world within me. The words I use to describe myself are more hurtful and damaging than those used by strangers. I know which buttons to push and which ones to ignore. And when it comes to myself, I can't simply apologise and say that I don't mean it--because I know better. I meant every word. And my world within cracks a bit more each time. And the world outside me also is affected by my world with in. If I refuse to believe my own apology, how can I believe the apology of the world?We all have heard (and probably used) that phrase Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. Whatever. I have been teaching kindergarten for the last month or so. I love it. It is so wonderful. The best part of teaching kindergarten is the look of pure joy of discovery. Kids are learning so quickly how the world works. Who to emulate, who to avoid, who to tease and who to steer clear of. They are also learning the power of words.When conflict arises, a favorite phrase of mine is "Use your words to solve this problem." (Sound familiar anyone?!) But, what about situations where no words are sufficient? What about problems that are so big that words cannot even begin to express? What about those issues that are so big that you can't wrap your mind around it, much less articulate it intelligently. Kids look at the world so purely. There are no problems that are too big to solve with gentle words, a hug, and a pat on the back. When did we outgrow this simple mindset? Kids rarely put themselves down (unless there are underlying issues--but that is another blog altogether!). They choose to believe the best about their world within and the world outside. Why can't we? Why can't we believe the best about our own world and the world we live in? Why do we have to divide ourselves into 2 groups? Why can't we be the loved and the loving instead of the self-righteous and the impure? Where are the words to heal the hurts that have been inflicted? Any more, the power of words needs to be followed by the power of action. A gentle word, a hug and a pat on the back... Can you think of a better solution?