This incident I believe was instructive for me and perhaps may be for you as well. Words are powerful things. I believe that with all my heart. That's one reason I write. Words have the power to build up or to tear down.
Words can literally change people's lives.
The greatest joy and the greatest pain I have ever experienced came through words spoken. I have seen children and adults who have had their very self esteem destroyed by the cruel words of parents and teachers. I have seen positive words change businesses, and churches and homes for the better. A recent survey indicated that the average parent spends less than 60 seconds a day in meaningful conversation with their teenagers. All too often, I have to admit, I have wasted those seconds tearing down and not building up my children.