It’s crazy how a three-word answer can scream its own story.
On a quest for insight, I posed a question to a number of my friends: “If you could go back in time and tell your 14-year-old self one thing, what would it be?”
Most people in my circle know the drill, If Ro texts you out of the blue asking a random, yet insightful question, just answer it. Be it 3 a.m. or 3p.m., she’s probably writing and she probably needs your help.
I surveyed a mixture of lifelong friends, new acquaintances, and those in between. As the answers poured in, I noted a pattern of concise, three-to-four-word gists wrapped in detailed explanations, each giving me a peek into the skeleton-stacked closets of the ladies I thought I knew. I found that even the ones I’ve known since we were stompin’ in our Air Force Ones revealed new things about themselves, things which I never would have guessed on my own.
“Food is fuel,” *Courtney, my kindred-spirited friend said she would tell her 14-year-old self.
“You’re not alone,” said Simone, a charismatic friend of mine who, ironically, in my mind’s eye, is always surrounded by an entourage.
“Please slow down,” Nicole said, and I was forced to recall the wild ride of 9th grade, her transition from innocence to adulthood, and all of the baggage that came with it. Some of which, as a best friend, I helped her carry. Some of which Nicole still carries today.
“Love yourself, Tay,” said Taylor, one of my most seemingly confident best friends.
“You’ll make it,” said Monique, a newer friend. She followed her statement with, “don’t settle for death.” Her chilling words, hinting at the story of a suicidal teen, come to blows in my mind with the mask of her ever-present smile, her cheerful voice, her contagious laugh and her constant encouragement.
I sat this morning in awe that magnanimous struggles with food, body image, self esteem, depression, and loneliness could be folded over and tucked into three words. With each answer, I was stunned to receive so much information in such succinct statements.
With one simple question I dredged up memories and past pain. With one short answer, each friend of mine spoke volumes. I learned new things from the ones I thought I knew and mere acquaintances became that much closer on three or so words. And that, my friends, is power. I can send the same shock to your system with a thriller novel as I can with a simple sentence. I can mend your your heart with a 4 page letter or a two sentence text message. Words have power, y’all. Use wisely (Proverbs 18:21)!
Be blessed!
*Names have been changed to protect my friends’ privacy
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