DO YOU NEED SUPPORT? USE WORDS THAT CONTAIN POWER
Many years ago, in 1960, I found myself in a difficult situation. I was alone, cycling through Częstochowa as part of a star rally to Zielona Góra. I was 15 years old. I ended up at Jasna Góra. I wandered around the monastery and found myself in the Knight’s Hall. Banners hung from the ceiling. On the wall, to the right of the entrance, an inscription was carved in stone: “Faith and reverence for the Blessed Virgin Mary remain, upon which foundation the rest can be rebuilt.”
I read the inscription, and it lifted my spirits. The words carved in stone gave me support. I clearly felt my energy reserves growing, and the feelings of resignation, uncertainty, hesitation, and fear faded away. Those words had power! The support I needed was given to me.
At the rally camp, which I reached without any issues after several days of cycling, I took part in a timed regularity race. Several hundred people participated. Two people tied for first place, and the judging committee decided to draw lots to determine the rally’s winner. When I heard my name, I was momentarily transported back to the Knight’s Hall of the Jasna Góra monastery, and I read the inscription again: “Faith and reverence remain…” It was then that I thought for the first time that words could contain power and build the spirit, which is the true foundation of our success and satisfaction.
When a problem arises, we don’t always know how to deal with it. Especially if we are caught off guard by an unexpected situation that stirs strong emotions, making it difficult to find a solution or an answer to the question.
Do we realize that every word we speak contains power? Are we prepared to use words properly? The words we choose, the tone, sound, and pace in which we speak, will determine victory or defeat.
We often look for some foundation or authority, something that will work and help us resolve a difficult situation. We must try. Once, I needed help myself and found it; now, I can help those who need it.
(Świat to Apteka No. 24/25 – January/February 2011)