Sticks and Stones

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names (words) will never hurt me."

It's the biggest lie ever.

Words hurt. Words wound. Words scar. Words kill. Don't believe me?

Nigger.

Kike.

Spic.

Wop.

Coon.

Cracker.

There are several reasons why I decided to write this post the way that I did. First, there's the recent and very public incident involving the stars of "Grey's Anatomy." (I've lost a tremendous amount of respect for Isaiah Washington, but I do hope he can make amends.) Then there's the great debate brewing over "American Idol." Personally, I love Simon Cowell. I think some of his comments have been more mean-spirited than usual, but generally he speaks the truth. (I'm amazed how deluded some people are when it comes to their singing abilities.) If I had to sit through what the judges had to sit through, I think I'd be slinging a few barbs myself. And recently, my pastor was embroiled in a public debate over his use of "nigger" in his sermon (he was describing the ineffectualness of black political leaders). And lets not even get into the self-destruction of Mel Gibson and Michael Richards.

As a writer, I am more cognizant than ever of the power of words, both written and spoken. Every word that I put into my manuscript is weighed carefully. But I am also more thoughtful of the words that come out of my mouth. Once you say something, no matter how much you apologize, you can't take it back. I remember back in high school, there was a girl in my English class named Martha. She was smart and every day she had something to say. One day, our teacher, Dr. Dagny D. Bloland, was conducting her class. As usual, Martha raised her hand and said, "I have something to say." Before I knew it, I said, "What, again?" I got laughs, but Dr. Bloland whirled on me so fast and made me apologize. I did, but after class, Dr. Bloland made me stay behind. She was all of 4' 3" (if that) and I was at least 5' 6". But she looked up at me and spoke. I don't remember what she said, but I will never forget the look of disappointment she had on her face: how could I say something to cut down another student? I never did it again.

As ugly as the words above are, what about other words that we say to others and to ourselves?

Bitch.

Faggot.

Ugly.

Stupid.

Ignorant.

Lazy.

Fat.

No good.

Worthless.

These are words that are in our lexicon and flow as easily as "God bless you" or "Excuse me" or "Have a nice day." And they are as hurtful and damaging as any racial epithet that may be hurled your way.

It's my desire as a writer to use my words to uplift people. It's my desire as a child of God to use words to encourage and to lead others to Christ. It's my hope as a human being that we all learn to use words to show love.

In Him,
Donna