Subject Line: Instead–A Kind Word, Please

This Week’s Good Work Insight

I taught college for adult students for 10 years. And many of my students were former military.

Too, I’ve had a lot of friends and family live in and around DC.

The common denominator–I’ve heard a lot of swearing. But the point here isn’t about swearing; it is about the kinds of words that stream from our lips.

Last night my family and I finished listening to That Hideous Strength (the final book of Lewis’s Space Trilogy). Words are at the center of the battle between good and evil.

St. John Henry Newman says, “Heart speaks to heart.”

And the Gospel of Matthew talks about words coming from our hearts while the book of James compares the power of our tongues to the rudder of a ship–turning all for good or for ill.

A few years ago several friends recommended a book to me: Born Only Once: The Miracle of Affirmation by Conrad W. Baars, M.D.

In the recruiting world, we’ve learned that a few minutes of unrestrained talk can undo years of professional friendship.

If you are trending the wrong way with your words, STOP–and begin again. Notice the good that others are doing and give voice to your gratitude-appreciation-thanks. Send a quick text. Send an email or voice message. Post a letter.

And remember to check yourself.

Instead, speak a kind word. Please.

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Cordially,