The power of words

             Sticks and Stones may break my bones,
             But words will never hurt me.

I was taught this little ditty by more than one person when I was a child.
Since then I have learned how badly off this verse is.

It is no wonder that Genesis aand John's Gospel start the same way.
The writers knew the power of words.
They do far more than break bones.
There is no suprise those we gave power to use their voice.

Using their words to attack and tear down the powerfull destroy.
They destroy faith, hope, and charity.
Not only of those they seek to use as cannon fodder.
But also of those they from whom they seek support.
One may come to believe they are dross, discarded as corrupted.
The other may come to believe they are being destroyed by others.
And the destroyer comes to hate both and themselves.
For all are lost without redemption.