There are times that my stomach aches from thinking of all the inappropriate things I have said throughout the years. Why do such thoughts come back to mind out of the blue? There is nothing I can do about it now especially since I am remembering something so long ago, the thoughts may even be out of context today.
Regardless, I do think that the most difficult aspect has to do with the inability to take back the words. Don’t you just wish that you could physically grab the words like grabbing a balloon from floating away? But the ear hears too quickly and words do not travel on attached strings so I am left with the remembrance.
I wonder if the listener remembers as loudly as the speaker. For me, some words resonate for years while others do not stick at all. I have had people apologize for conversations I do not remember. Obviously, that person felt badly because the intent was probably meant to be interpreted in a hurtful way. In those cases, I know they feel better but I then feel worse. Some things are left better unsaid. Or should I say MOST things just should not be said at all. Kind words turn away anger but foolish words flame sparks into fires. I memorized a proverb years ago that says, “Reckless words pierce like a sword but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Do you agree that more of us need more healing words?
I recently had a best friend tell me some things in the interest of being honest, but she was brutally honest. And, once said, those words were “out there” and can’t be taken back. I believe she unburdened herself, but I feel the burden now. We have to be careful that we aren’t serving ourselves when we say things that “bite” and justify them under the title of “honesty”. More often than not, it’s totally selfish and best left unsaid and for prayer.