WORDS

"Think before you speak". 

We all got that lesson at some point--some earlier in life than others. 

There was always that one teacher who would sense enthusiasm to blurt out an answer, and caution, "Think. I'm going to give you all a little time." 

Some students were anxious to answer, not because they knew the answer, but because they wanted to be first. They wanted to impress. They wanted to be clever. Some simply didn't know they had the luxury to pause and ponder what they were going to say. They just felt like they had to say something--anything.

 
"Think before you speak." 

It was a critical lesson, because some people actually listen to, and hear what you say, not what you meant to say. They attach your words to you, and won't let you forget them--even if over time, you adopt new ideas, opinions, or standards. 

Those who value the idea that your word is your bond; those who embrace the accuracy of a Freudian slip; those who don't care about the temperature of the moment, may not have patience or tolerance with, or confidence in you to catch, amend, or correct yourself. They'll conclude you didn't misspeak, but that you really believed and stood firmly behind the first thing you said. 

For example:

Sen. Elizabeth Warren: "...can you just assure us that not one dollar will go to benefit either the President-elect or his family?"

Dr. Ben Carson: "It will not be my intention to do anything to benefit any...any American..."

Wait...what? 

Now, if you like the guy (and you know there was a time when he was our collective hero. He was considered one of the "good" smart ones; we had to buy and read his book; he was on the Black History Month bulletin board...at the top),you'll defend him; demand that the context in which he spoke be considered; conclude that it was a nerve wracking environment; or attribute it to a lack of sleep. 

Maybe he just didn't understand the question. 

Maybe he wasn't allowed to finish.

If you don't like the guy, you'll be appalled, laugh, shake your head, and wonder what bizzarro world we're living in where the preferred, accepted quality in leadership is to be unqualified, embarrassing, deluded, inconsistent, opportunistic, and lacking in empathy.

 .

I have a feeling this is yet another season of words--where they're going to be scrutinized, and dissected, and used as mirrors--and weapons--to show and remind us of ourselves, and the wisdom of our choices. 

#youbetterthink