A Difficult Word , With Lasting Impact
There are some words that are difficult to say, like aluminium or mischievously, or anemone, onomatopoeia, and hyperbole. Not only are these troublesome to pronounce, I’m not sure what they mean in some cases.
But, the most difficult word to say is “sorry”, personalizing it to be , “I am sorry”. I think the reason it is difficult to say is because it requires an admission of wrong doing or failure in some capacity. Sorry, clearly not only implies, but acknowledges guilt. Along with the admission of guilt, if it is genuine, there must follow an honest attempt to correct or repair the damage caused. Exclaiming sorrow for actions or failure to act, for words expressed or wrongly withheld, need to be supported by appropriate behaviors or expressions that demonstrate and validate your sorrow.
It is difficult to say, “I am sorry”, because it requests forgiveness. It places oneself at the mercy of another. It requires humility. It demands a form of surrender and submission. It requires bending the knee, a request for forgiveness.
Jesus said, ” blessed are the humble in spirit”, those able to bend the knee, or bow the head. The Psalmist of old said, ” a broken spirit, and a contrite heart God will not despise”. Jesus taught us to ask for forgiveness from God and then for us to be able and willing to forgive others.
It all starts with an “I’m sorry”. That one word personalized, provides an opportunity to be set free and yield a marvelous privilege to grant someone else relief from a crushing burden. There is great power and blessing when this little word is put to use. Let’s use it.
Thanks for listening.
