Words matter; let’s change the dialogue

There was a time when doctors were more interested in healing people than making money.There was a time when manners and civility were the norm not the exception.There was a time when solving problems was more important than being right.There was a time when it was never acceptable to use profane language.There was a time when people believed in their country.There was a time when people actually sat down with their families, had dinner and talked about what was going on.There was a time when a child could safely ride his bicycle down the street. There was a time when children rarely interrupted adults and please and thank you were used by everyone.

There was a time when people disagreed agreeably with their words. 

There was a time when doctors were more interested in healing people than making money.There was a time when manners and civility were the norm not the exception.There was a time when solving problems was more important than being right.There was a time when it was never acceptable to use profane language.There was a time when people believed in their country.There was a time when people actually sat down with their families, had dinner and talked about what was going on.There was a time when a child could safely ride his bicycle down the street. There was a time when children rarely interrupted adults and please and thank you were used by everyone.There was a time when people disagreed agreeably with their words.   The hate mongers have ALWAYS throughout history used words to invoke strong feelings in people.Have you ever noticed that when people use certain words, that it feels like you are being punched in the stomach?There was a time when people used words for productive purposes that inspired others.Yes, we have freedom of speech, but freedom of speech has never in over 200 years been a blank check to spout filth and lies.Have you ever noticed that when you use certain words, how they invoke powerful emotions? There was a time when our nation’s leaders used words to inspire and bring people together.  There was a time when the people of our nation listened and paid attention to its leaders.When did that all change? Perhaps it changed when the dialogue changed.  Words can be as potent as the strongest poison or as deadly as the most powerful weapon. Did we just stop listening when the words became divisive and judgmental?Did we just stop listening because we became desensitized to the words by the lies of our leaders?Or did the words just become so ugly and empty that they had no meaning anymore? We need to change the dialogue.  We need to think about the words that we toss around so casually.  Do we think that freedom of speech comes without a price? Even freedom doesn’t give us the right to be so cruel and judgmental with our words.WE ARE ALL GUILTY!   We cannot move forward as long as our words are pushing us backwards.We cannot make progress while we use words to attack each other.We cannot come together and stand united, as long as we are punching each other in the gut with our words.We cannot change, as long as our words are just empty excuses or justifications.  So do we stand around, pointing fingers at each other waiting to see who will be the one to step up and change the dialogue?Do we draw a line in the sand and taunt those on the other side to dare to cross it? Or do we stand up and resolve to do our part each day to change the dialogue?  Or do we feel helpless and blame others while making excuses for our own behavior?  Because this is one area that we can make a difference, we can change things.History has shown that by changing the dialogue people can come together.Instead of waiting for our leaders to make major changes, perhaps we, the people, should start with baby steps.   We could start, for instance, by caring again about the words we use.   We can resolve to be more open to constructive words.We can resolve to really listen to other people’s words instead of pretending to listen on the outside and not really hearing on the inside.We can resolve to set an example in the words we choose to use.  We may not change old habits overnight, but we can resolve to start today in doing our part.We can set the example in our families, at our workplace, in our communities and never falter. Words can be contagious.  When we use positive words, people want to listen to our words.When we use words that edify and build others up, people respect our words.Even animals react to negative words.  Imagine what those negative words are doing to our children? That’s it.  That’s the answer.  Our children don’t listen because they have grown up not believing our words.Our children don’t participate because the words they hear are empty.Our children don’t understand what it means to truly believe in something, because they have been betrayed repeatedly by the words of others.Our children have become desensitized by our words.Peter has cried wolf one too many times. But it’s never too late to change.  It’s never too late to do a complete 180.  I believe the will is there.  People are thirsty for edifying words.  They flock to churches and other learned institutions, looking for positive and inspiring words. Perhaps people are just waiting for someone to step up, be a leader and demand a different better dialogue with our words.Perhaps, in the coming election, we should shut up and really listen to the words that are being said by the candidates.Perhaps, we should require that our next leader be the one who despite the political ramifications, steps up and changes the dialogue through their words.  Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were as far apart politically as any two men could be in the history of our nation.In 1776, these men lead others to use words to declare freedom and liberty for all.  These men formed our great Republic through words.These men found a way by means of their words to come together for the sake of a greater cause.  Yes this next election should be about who can use words to inspire people.  It should be about words that make people believe in America again.It should be words from their heart not from their political consultants or parties. It should be words that inspire people to pay attention and participate in the process.We have had such leaders throughout the history of our country.  Sadly, most of those leaders are departed, leaving us with only their words to know them by.Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, FDR, JFK, Martin Luther King.Some of the most prominent figures in history used words to for peaceful, inspiring purposes.Jesus Christ, Ghandi, Mohammed I fear that if this next election is the same old battle of words, that we will lose our great Republic.Therefore it is imperative that we require a new dialogue.And we can not require that of others if we are not willing to stand up and be part of the solution ourselves.So today when that car cuts you off on the freeway, use different words that are less profane.  And when you spend time with your family, use words that let build them up, not tear them down.Listen to others words with an open mind.  And stand up to those that use hateful words.Be an example to others by using constructive words.  Learn to Disagree Agreeably with your words without being judgmental. This one simple thing which costs absolutely nothing to change can change history.This one simple thing which requires none of one’s precious time can change your life, your health, your entire outlook.This one simple thing can change the world.  Words matter. Let’s Change the dialogue.