Mother's Reminder: Words Can't Be Unsqueezed

 

Words. The weight they carry.

The tongue comprises eight muscles, making it an incredibly powerful instrument. Its ability to inflict emotional damage can be profound, often shattering individuals with mere words. “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" is misleading; the truth is that words can wound deeply and leave lasting scars.

The Bible contains over 120 references to the power of our words, highlighting their significance. Given this emphasis, it stands to reason that God would want to provide us with wisdom on how to manage our speech. After all, He understands the immense influence our tongues can wield.

Last week, my oldest son Wyatt directed some hurtful words at another child at school, which led him to understand that his actions had consequences. Although he was unhappy about the situation, I took the opportunity to share a biblical lesson with him and his younger brother when he returned home.

I got out a tube of tooth paste and put it on the counter.

Wyatt-What’s this about Mom?

Mom- Wyatt, I want you to squeeze a lot of toothpaste out of the tube onto this plate. (I got funny looks for sure but he started to squeeze it out. I then handed it to Garrett.) Okay Gare squeeze the rest of the tube. I don’t want any left in the tube. (He did. It was messy.)

Mom-Garrett can you please put that back in there? (He just stared at the toothpaste.)

Garrett- Are you serious right now?

Mom-Yes son put it back in there for me please.

Wyatt- Oh I know where this is going.

Mom- Oh you do?

 Proverbs 18:21

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”

Mom- The words we choose to express hold power. Once they are spoken, much like toothpaste squeezed from a tube, they cannot be taken back. Regardless of any apologies sometimes they stay in someone's mind forever. God gave us this guidance because He understood our need for direction in using it positively. The words we speak are a reflection of our hearts, serving as a lesson not just for children but for adults as well.

Mom- Wyatt wanna hear a story from when I was younger? (He always loves to hear stories from my childhood.)

Mom- When I was around your age, I had an experience at the McDonald's play area that stuck with me. I was having a great time playing in the ball pit with my best friend when a boy suddenly looked at me and said something hurtful. He called me the ugliest girl he had ever seen, and his words hurt deeply. It was a moment that reminded me how cruel kids can be.

Wyatt- Wow! You remembered that for your whole life!

Mom- Yes son… I thought about it often growing up. In my mind I was the ugliest girl, even through high school, and into my adult life.

Wyatt-Momma you aren’t. He was just mean.

Mom-Wyatt that is why it is so important to be kind to people and always speak life about others. We don’t ever want to hurt anyone.

Wyatt- Mom I can’t believe that you still remembered that…It must have hurt you so bad. I feel awful about what I said to my classmate.

Mom- You are still grounded, Wyatt. I know you  are sorry but, actions have consequences.

We all have our flaws, and at times, we've uttered hurtful words. I'm thankful for the chance to share a valuable lesson to my boys about the significance of their words. My hope is that they will carry this lesson with them and, in the future, use a tube of toothpaste to teach their own children the same important truth. I, too, needed this reminder.

 Words, once spoken, carry weight far beyond the moment. If a messy plate of toothpaste helps my boys remember that, then I’m okay with the cleanup.