BACKSPACE and DELETE

I just got finished typing some messages on Facebook. I was noticing how I was being very careful with my choice of words. I would type something and then read it and think about how it sounded. If my words did not communicate what I wanted to say in the way that I wanted to then I could easily make changes in the words I used.

Photograph by Chance Agrella

As I was making corrections on my messages, I began to think about how cool it was to be able to pick and choose my written words carefully by easily being able to make changes quickly by using the backspace key and also deleting. As I would make changes in my written text, I began to think that it was really wonderful to be able to easily change my words and I was wishing sometimes that I could have a delete and backspace button with my spoken words.

Have you heard that saying, "Open your mouth and insert foot." Have you noticed that you sometimes say things and then wish you could take it back? Are you like me in that you wish you could have a delete and backspace button for your spoken words? Do you remember hearing these words, "think before you speak?"

Unfortunately, we do not have a delete or backspace button for our spoken words however, we can take time to carefully choose our words by listening well and thinking before we speak. The next time you are communicating with your spoken words don't forget to take some time and listen well, think, consider and then share your insight.

TERRIFIC

Do you remember the characters Charlotte and Wilbur? These characters are in the classic award winning children's novel Charlotte's Web. This is a great story about friendship and the power of words.

Wilbur is a pig and he is in danger of being slaughtered by a farmer. He spends his time in a barn and develops a friendship with a very intelligent spider named Charlotte. Wilbur and Charlotte have a very special friendship. Charlotte begins to write messages praising Wilbur in order to persuade the farmer to let Wilbur live.

Charlotte writes these words in her web to describe Wilbur:

SOME PIG

TERRIFIC

RADIANT

HUMBLE

These words enabled Wilbur to become famous and everyone had something good to say about him. Wilbur was even awarded a medal for being phenomenal and completely out of the ordinary. His life is spared.

Positive and uplifting words helped others see Wilbur's life as one worth protecting. Good words also helped Wilbur grow in confidence. From this story, we can definitely see the power of words. I recently read a Proverb that says that " the power of life and death are in our tongue."

The words we speak make a difference. Are your words to others positive, uplifting and encouraging? Are you around people who are speaking good things into your life? May we be like Charlotte and speak words that build up and make a difference for others. You will be RADIANT and TERRIFIC as you speak good words to those around you.