The unseen influence of a rose can’t be overlooked.  Its silent voice communicates in a language beyond the limitations of words, grammar and speech.  The magic of a single rose is limitless.  What other living thing has the power to heal and soften, comfort and soothe, or say I love you like this tender plant?  No attorney can plead your case like a rose.  No physician can nurse back to health like this fragile flower.  What matchmaker can hook you up like this petite perfumed plant?

        As long as there have been funerals we have attended those carrying flowers.  We say our last goodbyes in love letters written in petals.  We celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, first dates, weddings and other special occasions with flowers.  Many a broken hearted lover says I’m sorry with the bravery born from a rose.  The strength of a delicate rose lies in its vulnerability and gentleness.  There is nothing stronger than gentleness.  Our beloved rose may not have muscles bulging beneath its blooms but it has an undeniable power over the hearts of mankind.

        Nothing is as strong as gentleness and nothing is as gentle as real strength.  The truly powerful do not have to put their strength on display or flaunt their abilities.  They know that the best soldiers are not warlike.  They possess their strength in gentleness and use their powers for the good of others.  Power can do by gentleness what violence fails to accomplish.  Water can rage out of control and devastate cities or it can quench the thirst and save lives.  A gentle fire can warn and comfort or it can become an uncontrollable wildfire destroying everything in it path.

        We too can harness our strength and use it for the benefit of all we meet or we can parade our power in harshness and trample on those weaker than we are.  Gentle words fall lightly, but they have great weight.  Nothing is as strong or memorable as a small kindness.  We can influence our world and leave a lasting mark on someone if we learn the power of gentleness.  Why not flex your muscles today with kind words, loving touches and gentleness?  Happiness is a choice; choose to be gentle.

Something to think about:

• In our rough-and-rugged individualism, we think of gentleness as weakness, being soft, and virtually spineless. Not so!   Gentleness includes such enviable qualities as having strength under control, being calm and peaceful when surrounded by a heated atmosphere, emitting a soothing effect on those who may be angry or otherwise beside themselves, and possessing tact and gracious courtesy that causes others to retain their self-esteem and dignity. . . . Instead of losing, the gentle gain. Instead of being ripped off and taken advantage of, they come out ahead!

• Deal with the faults of others as gently as with your own.

• Anger is quieted by a gentle word just as fire is quenched by water.

• If you would reap praise, sow the seeds; Gentle words and useful deeds.

• If one wants to see genuine beauty, he will find it in the tender lines that sacrificial love has drawn upon a mother’s face.

• Trust men and they will be true to you; treat them gently and they will show themselves great.

Thankful for the gentle words of strong people
Rickey Moore