We have dimished the value of words in our world. In the current US government (in both national and local politics) the language is filled with hatred and intollerance toward one another. For some mysterious reason we believe we can isolate these words from actions. We think it’s ok to hold an aggressive posture toward others with our language as long as we are doing nothing aggressive in a physical sense.

I have no scientific proof – but I believe our language shapes and contributes to the environment we are creating for ourselves to live in. Violent language creates the space and gives permission for violent behavior. It sets the tone for what we will allow. And right now, locally and nationally, we are doing great violence to one another.

Sadly, when this violence materializes in a physical sense those who have been verbally violent will be ignorant of their contribution. Let me say it plainly: Those who speak violently toward one another contribute to the violent culture we experience. You cannot separate the two.

Words matter.

But words can also be healing. We don’t have to accept the majority tone: demeaning words, hateful words, prideful words, defensive words. You and I can change the tone. We can use words of peace, words of understanding, words of hope, words of belonging, words of love, words of forgiveness, words of sympathy, words of unity, words of affirmation.

So many times we wonder what we can do when the world around us seems so in love with its violence. I would suggest we change the tone, using our language and tone to be instruments of peace.