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The
Nine Hardest Words To Say
By Todd Gaddy The day is undoubtedly forever burned into your long-term memory. Your niece or nephew lies quietly in your lap, cooing and making those facial contortions only humans under the age of one can make. You gaze with amazement, trying to grasp how a brother or sister, who made your life so miserable as a youngster, could produce such a cute kid. The little one returns your gaze, a twinkle dancing in their big eyes. Then it happens…”stefff…davi…tahee…” With a shriek of joy you proclaim to those around you (and the rest of the neighborhood), “He said my name! She knows who I am!” After the ensuing spontaneous victory dance lasts long enough to convince you that it really was a term of endearment the child just uttered, and not a delayed reaction to the strained peas at lunch, you begin the work of teaching them to talk. “OK, S.A.T. exams are only 16 years away. Let’s try a few more. Cookie …doggie …Harvard…” For most of us talking comes pretty easy. If we think of something, we say it. Concepts considered in our mind become words spoken by our mouth. However, not every word is easy to say. Some are difficult to say because they’re difficult to say. Take for instance pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanokoniosis (a lung disease caused by breathing in certain particles). Not only is it considered, at 45 letters, the longest word in any English-language dictionary, it’s nearly impossible to pronounce. However, there are words that are more profound, but also more difficult because of what they mean when we say them. Take for instance the nine words that are generally accepted to be the hardest words for a human being to utter: I am sorry. I was wrong. Will you forgive me? Why the struggle to say such phonetically simple words? The difficulty lies in the fact that admitting we’re wrong and asking for forgiveness means letting go of our agenda, confessing that our way wasn’t the best, and meeting head-on the pride that so often seeks to dominate our days. While seeking forgiveness is difficult, it is possible. As the psalmist wrote, “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) With the help of God, we can learn
to live a life no longer dominated by our own will and selfish desires, but
directed and led by His Spirit. Such
living will positively impact every part of our life, our friend’s lives, and
indeed all our relationships. Begin
today to make it a habit, when necessary, to say those nine difficult words.
You’ll be amazed how hard words can make life a little easier. ninetyandnine.com
ã 2000, Todd Gaddy -------- Todd
Gaddy serves as Director of Promotion for the General Youth Division of the
United Pentecostal Church. A
graduate of Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology,
he is also a new daddy as of August, 2000.
His daughter, who measured 20 inches at birth, obviously has his height
genes.
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