Fourward

I had a very unexpected conversation at work today with someone about the weight of our words on people. We both ended up crying thinking about the words that have weighed on us or the feedback we have received about our heavy words.

It is both a beautiful and fragile thing that the words we share with people can have such a lasting impact. Of course in this sense I am speaking of words we say in moments of caring and sharing love and advice. In a vulnerable time, people are very likely to hold on to things that give them hope; things that reassure them; things that comfort them. 

I had a family friend years ago that suffered a miscarriage. I found a card for her somewhere along the way that said ever so simply and beautifully, "'Hang in there,' a little birdie told me. 'Your rainbow is on the way.'" I have held on to that small but powerful statement for 15 years. It has resonated with me in trying times and it is often the best advice I feel I have to offer those around me who may be suffering. 

I have truly never given it much thought and I find the sentiment to be pretty classic. The basic promise that soon the storm will let up and the sun will begin to peak out again, and that combination of water and light will provide them the rainbow they have long been awaiting. It is a tale as old as time... especially if you grew up in the bible belt. 

I shared it about a year ago with a friend and months later when she was going through another tough time, she reminded me about what I had told her and said that she was still patiently waiting for her rainbow. And it dawned on me that my words have had a powerful impact. I don't know that I outright promised her that things would get better (not that it was in my power to do so in any case) but she believed the words I said and took them to heart. 

How frightening it can be to know that your words have such a great impact on someone when spoken at the right time. So much responsibility lies in your words and your promises of brighter tomorrows.

It makes me think and makes me regret making promises to people for said brighter tomorrows and even endless love. Words are worth a lot; a powerful weapon in the wrong hands.