Have you ever wanted to say something so badly that you practically had to bite through your tongue not to say it?(usually not my problem) Me, too. There is a great exchange in the movie You've Got Mail that stars Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. In this clip, she is frustrated that she can't ever say the exact thing she wants to say at the moment of confrontation. On the other hand, Tom Hanks's character is able to say cutting come backs without any hesitation. She e-mails him that she wishes she had that talent. He tells her that he wishes he could give her his talent because it's dangerous, stating that saying exactly what you think, exactly when you think it, leads to guilt and regret. Later in the film when she is able to say the most hurtful comments on cue, she realizes the truth in her friend's e-mail. She felt badly fo her hurtful words, but they had already been said.
That's the thing about spewing words without ever thinking about the consequences--you can't get those words back. They do damage immediately, and even when you say your're sorry, their sting remains. So think before you speak. Do whatever it takes to keep the cutting comments from escaping your mouth. You may have a sore tongue, but your heart will feel good!
Written by Michelle Medlock Adams in the book Daily Wisdom for Mothers
Lord, rule over my tongue. Make me more aware of the words that I say and the impact they have on others.
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