When I was growing up, I remember someone saying to me: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. 

I have lived long enough to know how terribly wrong that statement is. It is true that sticks and stone may break our bones, but words can break our spirits. They can stymie our initiative, inhibit our willpower and they have even been known to take away ones will to live. 

There are people with whom we work, associate, live and come in contact that are dying to hear some good words about themselves. I hope that all of us will look within our hearts and listen to the words that we speak on a daily basis. Words can be used as tools to build up or even tear down. Each person you come in contact with is either a demolition site or a construction opportunity. Your words can make a difference.

As we begin this new year, let us speak words in genuine kindness, love and concern. The scripture says in Proverbs 10:20, When a good person speaks, that person is worth listening to, but the words of fools are a dime a dozen.