Pen VS Sword

 Growing up, parents find it enlightening to teach us in parables, phrases, or those stupid witty anecdotes. I don't see why because we never figure out what they mean until we're older. I guess thinking about it now, that’s the whole point. While we don't understand at the age of 7 how in the world a PEN is stronger than a SWORD, when life decides to no longer play with kiddie gloves, those same stupid witty anecdotes come to mind and then the light bulb goes off. It all falls into place. Then we call mom and dad and tell them that we get it. It makes sense. While we still don't understand why they didn't just explain it to us when we were younger, we get it, and we’re grateful that they were there to help.

But still there are some of you reading this who has no idea what I'm taking about. And to you guys I say that I was once like you. I mean common if we went into a fighting ring and I have a pen and you have a sword. It’s common sense as to who is gonna win. The sword. Until one day, I realized that the "fighting ring" I had imagined was everyday life and interacting with everyday people. Your barista at Starbucks, the cashier guy at Target or the nosy neighbors down the road. Everyday when we wake up, we have a decision to make. Am I going to fight with my sword or my pen?

Now you’re probably thinking that I've lost it but bear with me. Let's breathe some life into these fictional weapons of choice. Let's say that the sword is harsh words, rude comments, retaliation and negativity. And let's make the pen kindness, compassion, love, and forgiveness. Now just for the heck of it, let's just imagine we're at the mall and someone calls you a bad word. Rude Much! And now your friends are looking at you and asking you what are you gonna do? How are you going to respond? Are you going to respond with the same rude comments and make them feel the same way that they just made you feel, or are you going to choose to make them feel better? Are you going to choose the high road? I hope that you would choose to stop spreading negativity. While the easy option is to pick up your sword and fight back, I hope that you choose to pick up your pen and be kind. Treat them with the compassion and humanity that they didn't bother giving to you. 

I know that it isn't the normal thing to do. Trust me, as much as I try, sometimes you have to pick up your sword. Sometimes you have to fight back, but not always. Sometimes we have to make the hard decision and use the pen, and spread the good. We have to make the conscious choose to be different, to give back love rather than continuing to spread the hate. Especially in today’s society with a lot of negativity, it feels pretty awesome to play a role in being a part of the good.  💕

               ~ And that’s the way the cookie crumbles!~