One of the things I love about watching the fixer upper remodeling shows is the way everyone reacts with such sweet responses, "Oh, sweet Lord," or "My goodness," and "Oh, My word." When I was younger I ran into a woman from Texas who would always say with her southern sing-songie-twang, "You're so sweeeeet!" Those endearing words made me smile even in their simplicity because of the tenderness offered behind the words supported by a twinkle in the eye and a smile.
Have you heard of colloquialisms? They are sayings or expressions that people say to make a point. My friend Skip says we should be cautious of people who have unscrupulous intentions and warned about one person in particular, “He’s a liar and a cheat and a bad judge of good whiskey.” His words got me thinking about words in general and how we've become a nation hell-bent on repeating hurtful words.
I saw this picture with Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) sharing wisdom from the movie, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and it's true that people will have opinions about everything. They will judge others based on their own perceptions and this type of thinking is flawed and can be hurtful and even can cause harm to another. In 2020 this type of flawed thinking and harsh words can even result in murder.
Speak words of kindness. Notice the uplifting effects it will have on someone else. Look them in the eye and smile. You'll be surprised (and so will they) that they will smile back. Open a door for someone, hand them a gift of kindness in the phrases we grew up with, "Please" and "Thank you." Just because we are wearing a mask does not mean we can't be seen, felt, or heard. Give the gift of kindness in the simplicity of a word.