In this season of political speeches, it seems that we like slow, soft-spoken, deliberate words punctuated by humor and passion. Two men, one a candidate and one a sitting president, are especially good at this folksy talk and we like them and trust them for this. But the old adage, “Deeds, not words” comes to mind. Listen to the words, but examine the deeds. It’s easy to say, “I love you,” but when the actuality is indifference and hostility, of what value are the words? When someone says, “Because you are weak with few advantages, I will protect you,” but instead, exploits the relationship, the result is anger and fear.
When words match actions that are consistently positive over a period of time, you have found the sweet spot. These are things we can pay attention to, especially when listening to persons in power or asking for power. Is there a sweet spot or a jarring gap between what one says and what one does? Pay attention.
Gail Tansill Lambert
Roanoke VA
