Every word was once a poem. Ralph Waldo Emerson, Writer and Philosopher (1803-1882)
Words are the building blocks of many modern languages. They are also an integral part of life as we know it today. Ironically, small words like "no", "go", "yes", "stop", "attack" and "retreat" speak volumes when used alone.
Without words, there would be no books or newspapers or stories or songs and teachers would not have to teach children to read or write or spell. The domino effect is that scores of other professions would not exist.
"What? Name a few? How about authors, writers, poets, journalists, speech writers, news announcers, and talk show hosts?" In addition, we would have little or no use for institutions like libraries, schools, colleges, universities, radio stations and television stations. I feel sure you could add a few to this list.
The impact is always much greater than we think. There would be no road signs or posters or bulletin boards. In short, there would be chaos and many of the luxuries we know and enjoy today, would be virtually non-existent.
Without words, there would be no air travel, no televisions, no telephones, no computers, no printers, no technology, and no Internet ... just to name a few. Life would be radically different!
In fact, you and I would not even have names and there would be little or no communication. That's right! No love letters, no postcards, no contracts, no memorandums, no letters of understanding, no schedules, and no e-mails. Can you imagine life without e-mails?
That's not all! There would be no explanations, no arguments, and worst of all, no telephone conversations. You would not be able to call home to say, "I love you" to your spouse or children. And, more important, you would not be able to say, "I told you so!" What kind of life would that be?
I know, I know! You are thinking, "What about that old adage? A picture is worth a thousand words."
Well, thanks for asking. For a moment there, I thought you'd never ask. But, I'd like to respond with this question. "Are you any good at drawing? If yes, try drawing pictures for this simple conversation I had with my wife when we first met."
I said, "I like you and would like to hold your hand." She said, "That man with the patch on his right eye is my father; he has a shotgun. It is his prized possession."
Do you think I would be here today if we had to use pictures for that conversation? Quite unlikely!
Bernadette Gasslein once said, "We're awash in a world of words. The wound hearts and launch wars. They cement relationships, make promises, console those who are suffering and bring hope to those in despair. Words make things happen."
When we speak, our words must be pleasing to God. When people ask us for advice or information, they ask because God wants to help them through us. Our response must be instructive and constructive. It must be kind and generous.
