They use fowl language. Get it? Fowl not foul.
We all know some turkeys in our life and in fact at some point I suppose I have been one of those turkeys. In fact, I can remember a few times when I stuck my size 13 foot in my mouth and wished to this day, I could take it back. In fact, I grew up with a poem that is about the biggest lie ever told:
Sticks and stones
will break my bones
but words will never hurt me.
A couple of lessons on this one. First, I have always been able to get over a hurt foot or arm or a physical ailment, but those words can stick with a person for a lifetime, good and bad.
As I have mentioned before, Aunt Gladys Snyder, dropped a few words on me that changed my trajectory in life. Aunt Gladys made me think I was smart (that was lucky since I am not as smart as she thought). Jack Gilbreth, my first football coach, gave just a few words of encouragement that helped me overcome my insecurity about my size. I was always way too big for my age until about the 9th grade when a few folks caught up and even surpassed me like. Mrs. Head (of Head Country fame and high school English teach fame) made a point how nice I dressed, and it made me think twice about how I looked each day. David Goldenberg made the comment while working at EDS/Ross Perot's old company that I was a fast thinker. it just made me feel good about myself (that is called a blessing).
But second, what about those discouraging remarks by someone? Don't those hurt? Don't they last? Sure do! I don't even like to give them the time of day. Bitterness and resentment, in my mind, can kill a person. At least it can make it where you/me just does not want to be around them.
So what do you learn in the Osage?
- Words can hurt, be careful, thoughtful and caring
- A few kind words can make a person not have to get a nose ring (do I need to explain?)
- Give a lift up in life, not a lift out (give someone an encouraging word every day of your life and you will be more encouraged than you can ever dream)
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