Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Five for Five: Words


Let me start with Natahaniel Hawthorne’s quote from my header:

“Words – so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them.”

Words are important.

Yes, those words in intricately composed novels, beautifully juxtaposed verses, eloquently written speeches. But not only those.

Every single word is important.

A simple hello you say (and whether you say it at all) to a stranger in the street.

A word can make someone’s day. A word can built and it can destroy.

A word can mean the difference between life and death.

Words matter.

Words in our hands matter.

I am trying to remember the quote above not just when I am writing a blog post or my WIP but even more so in everyday situations. Because who knows what kind of good and evil might I do with them? 

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Five for Five is a community event for bloggers hosted by Jen and Sarah at Momalom from April 23–27. As this is primarily a book blog, I will include bookish themes is some of my Five for Five posts this week. So, if you are my regular reader, please do not get scared away, I am not turning this blog upside down. And if you are new to Beyond Strange New Words, take a look around and feel welcome to visit again if you like what you see.

Learn more about Five for Five HERE and visit other participants’ posts HERE

12 comments:

  1. You said it! One simple word at the right time could stop someone from doing something awful. One word at the wrong time could send someone over the edge. It's scary actually how powerful words can be.

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    1. Absolutely, the power of words is scary.

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  2. "Every single word is important."

    That is it. So, so true. And so powerful.

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  3. I was thinking this very thing yesterday, about how powerful words can be, particularly how deeply someone else's words (or lack of them) can impact me. And if I turn that around (ya know, to think about a perspective other than MINE MINE MINE), I'm encouraged by how much I might be able to help and inspire and encourage those around me with just a few simple, but powerful kind words.

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    1. We all definitely have to turn the perspective from focusing on us to what can we do for others more often. It is an encouraging thought.

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  4. I almost wrote my post about the words that are not written, but when said are just as permanent. It is the challenge of parenting, I think. I am certain I will say something unintentional that will painfully stay with our kids for their lifetimes. That is an awesome responsibility. MMF

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    1. I agree, written and spoken words are equally important. I think we tend to be less careful with spoke words, especially around those closest to us. I don't have kids, but I imagine it is a huge responsibility making sure you don't say something that will hurt them.

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  5. Love that quote. So powerful and so true.

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  6. Your words here are very powerful.

    Silence speaks louder than words...and as you say above "A word can mean the difference between life and death."

    I went back to HS with those words. Remembering kids who sat silently reading books. Hiding from peers. The efforts I made to take to these lost kids that just needed someone to listen to their words. Many came from broken homes where they were lacking the attention they needed to cope. It didn't always matter, but every once in awhile it saved someone from going down a darker path.

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    1. Exactly, even if it doesn't always help those times that it does are what matters.

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  7. It's true. Feelings can be hurt. Words can be misunderstood. And yet, I think the receiver of the words has a responsibility, too. It's a fine line, sometimes.

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    1. You are right, the one who receives the words has a responsibility, too - a choice how to interpret them and react to them.

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Don't hesitate to drop me a few strange new words! I'd love to hear what you think!