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South 18 Woodham Focus
South Woodham Focus
The Gift of Communication
We all have a gift of communication. What sets us apart from other species, is the
ability to consider and formulate what we say or respond to what we have heard;
and express ourselves in different ways. There are animals that appear to have similar
skills but, not having the ability to use other ways of communicating, they nurture
and support each other on a more basic level, yet effective.
Communication is a two-way operation. We are the same species, trying to live our lives out in Love, Joy and Peace. How we listen
is more important than what we say. In the Bible the tongue is referred to as a rudder on a large boat, insofar as it appears to
be small in relation to the scale of the boat, yet it`s influence can be huge.
The ability to consider what we have heard before speaking, emailing, texting, posting in whatever form (words or pictures) is
important. It is important that we do not stop talking to each other in whatever form but appreciate that we are different, in
different situations and not fall into judgement without a full appreciation of the other situation. Life can be hard enough, at
times, and what we say (and sometimes it can be good to talk) should be True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind.
It is important that children are encouraged to have a voice. The environment that they are brought up in, whether home,
school or clubs, will involve people of different ages and stations in life and examples should be set of open conversation, a
listening and guidance. If the rudder is not controlled, the boat goes off course.
We have all seen or heard the news where it is upsetting and disturbing and we state that those involved are worst than animals.
This suggests that animals are worst behaved in general than us. Sometimes I feel that the gifts that we have been given as
mentioned earlier are misused and we fail ourselves and others.
We are capable of acts of kindness and encouragement which improve each other’s lives. We need to guard against thoughtless
comment.
SWF Christian Council
SOUTH WOODHAM
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