What are the stones you use?

We have all heard and perhaps said that old ditty - "Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me." And we all know it isn't true. Words have tremendous power to cut to the soul. The pain can last much longer than a physical injury. What are the words you use? Do they build people up or tear them down? What are the names you call yourself? Do you harm yourself with your own "stones?"

This is an excerpt from Sr. Joyce Rupp's reflection in today's Living Faith. She was reflecting on the following passage: "So they picked up stones to throw at him" - John 8:59

Descriptions such as "weird, worthless, loser, dimwit, bum" and other unseemly labels are hurtful stones. Each negative remark becomes a harmful projectile thrown at the Body of Christ. In this season of Lent when we renew our efforts to be Christ-like, let us be intentional about putting down our stones.