Kill a Word

In the words of Eric Church…

Cause you can’t unhear, you can’t unsay
But if were up to me to change
I’d turn “lies” and “hate” to “love” and “truth”
If I could only kill a word

With the crazy, intense election behind us, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting on what words people choose to use to express themselves.  I learned that some of my Facebook friends did not have qualities of what I would want in my friends.  Now, this is not a political post, and I’m very aware that politics is a sensitive subject.  I honestly don’t care who you voted for, and I know some of my friends are ecstatic with the results while others are very upset.  Some are just glad that the decision has been made, and we can move forward.  What I learned is that I like people that are respectful and use their words kindly.  I like individuals that can express themselves and share their views but still show respect for others.  I have a hard time seeing comments like, “when was America ever great?” I don’t know about anyone else, and everyone has a right to their opinion, but I am VERY thankful I live in America.  I’m very thankful that I am allowed to get an education, I can live in a safe place, my tax dollars can go to schools, sidewalks, libraries and parks in my community.  I’m thankful that I live somewhere where we have heat, air conditioning and running water.  I’m thankful I live in a country where I can see a variety of vey well educated doctors to help me heal from all of my crazy medical nonsense.  I’m thankful I can choose what I want to do for a living instead of it being chosen for me.  I’m thankful that I live in a country where I am allowed to vote.

Sometimes when I vote in elections my vote wins, and sometimes it does not.  Either way, I’m thankful that I live in America.  Is this country perfect?  No!  Is it going to become perfect with any new leader?  No!  Regardless, I’m thankful.  I know we all have a right to speak freely (again, because America is great), but I believe we should choose our words wisely and speak kindly.  Eric Church reminds us that just because you don’t beat someone with a bat, you can still hurt someone with the words that you say.  Sure- we all say things that we don’t mean at times, and we all have moments that we’d like to edit our actions.  My hope is that we can learn from those moments and become better people from the reflections that we have from those times.  Look- I ain’t perfect, so don’t think I’m getting preachy up in here.  Between E Church’s song and the elections I’ve just had some time to reflect and it makes me think we ALL need a reminder on what we say.  To me, the Presidential election is very important, but what is more important is how we are treating each other.  It doesn’t matter who is in office for us to all show each other and our children how to behave and be nice to one another.  My mom and dad have always raised me on this basic principle…it doesn’t hurt to be nice to people.  You don’t have to like everyone, but you can be kind to everyone.  You can always speak and say hello.

So, hello everyone!  Let’s be nice!  Whataya say?