Heard a preacher man on the radio encouraging us to avoid bad mouthing people, saying ugly things and spreading rumors or lies about them. He suggested a simple acronym to help us THINK before we speak. He explained it as follows:
T – stands for the truth in that we should always ask ourselves – is what we are about to say true? Very simply, if it is not true, then don’t say it.
H – is for hurtful. Even if what we think to say is true, if it is hurtful to the person we are saying it to, then don’t say it. For example, telling someone “Gee you look like you have gained a lot of weight” while it may be true, it is still a hurtful thing to say to them.
I – is for inspiring (plus two other “i words.”) First, always aim to say something that will inspire your listener(s.) If you can’t quite ratchet it up to the inspiring level, at least try to say something interesting. If you can’t muster either of these levels, then consider ignoring the urge to say anything at all.
N – strive to be nice. Say nice things, be positive and do not dwell on the bad, sad or mad things. Like your Momma used to tell you “If can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all.” (The variation on this “”If can’t say anything nice, then come sit next to me” is attributed to Alice Roosevelt Longworth (click here.)
K – be kind. When you say kind words to others it not only changes them but it also changes you.
The preacher concluded his instructions by noting that if we would all just take a moment and THINK before we spoke, the world would be a much better and nicer place.
P.S. No matter what you may “think,” this is not intended to be a politically-related comment. You can see that I really am trying to be kind here.
Check out Mick’s funny take away after he listened to a preacher on the radio. Check out the others’ expressions as they play along and harmonize with him on the chorus:
