The Significance of Words

Since the dawn of time human beings have attempted to convey meaning to one another.  Drawings, dance, facial expressions, gestures- all represent these attempts.  The first utterances were an another way of conveying meaning, using vocal cords and the larynx.  These utterances which we refer to as words proliferated, until today and every day, we are bombarded with them, spoken, written, and signed.  Much of the time, we take only superficial notice of words.  Yet, sometimes, a word or conversation goes straight to our hearts, resulting in a new understanding of ourselves, one another and society in general.  Words can be used to inform, heal, persuade, hurt, confuse.   Words contain self.  Myself is within every word I speak. My words are a representation of me.   Words are evidence of the uniqueness in every human being.  If this idea were believed, would it change how words are selected and spoken? Would it affect how we listen to others?  To respond to another's speaking by listening fully and without interuption portrays respect for the speaker, and indeed, for the very essense of the person.    

Grace K.F. Bates, CPK
Kailua, Hawaii