There are so many questions in life that seem complicated. The answers to these questions are made more difficult because of the world in which we live. People have always considered their words carefully in order not to hurt the feelings of others, which is good.
In a time when hurt feelings seem more like a requirement than an emotion, it’s even more difficult. Not everything needs to be said, however what is said should be the truth. We complicate life and punch holes in important conversations by not telling the whole truth. In some cases it’s more than simple lies, it is words crafted like a dark art by deceptive artisans. Our only hope is simple; it is to simply tell the truth.
The truth is like a classic automobile; we all talk about how good it was, we like to be seen around it and it only gets used as a reminder of who we once were. It’s treated like a parade vehicle. The actual truth has been replaced by statements such as; “this is my truth” or the “truth as I see it.” Our current version of the truth is nothing more than an emotional wish that fits our pride like a glove.
The soft lining of this glove are the lies and half truths it takes to substantiate our wish. Facts are something to be undermined and martyred by the loudest voices and those most adept at clever word play.
Do you remember the phrase, “My word is my bond?” This meant that you did what you said you were going to do. These were all the words you said, not just the words preceded by a pinky swear or prefaced by, “I Promise.” The default to any statement was that it was the truth; now it seems the default in any statement leaves a lot of wiggle room…. to wiggle.
I remember an old movie that included the statement that “a man’s word is his gift to himself.” It’s true, you can accomplish more when you can operate on a handshake or just your own word. I don’t know how a business can operate without the truth yet I have seen it happen. It’s the difference between saying you will finish the job in two weeks and actually doing it.
The truth is powerful and even sounds different from a lie or halftruth. If you want to hold the attention of a group of people, simply tell the truth. Too often we decide what is truthful based upon what is either politically correct or what a national political leader tells us to believe. I wouldn’t let national politicians help me decide whether to get Kit-Kats or Malted Milk balls before going in to see the movie. Why would I let them make up my mind for me on more important subjects?
One of the strengths of the truth is finding where it is absent. When I discover someone who lies, I rarely confront them. Their lie is a deep insight into who they are; it’s almost like reading their mind.
The deception of a lie is a double-edged sword. I believe the owner of the lie incurs more long-term injury than either the subject of the lie or the listener. Lies create pain for all, the truth heals the honest.
