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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: The Pen is Mightier than the Sword (04/08/10)
The Pen is Mightier than the Sword

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me. This turn of phrase, often expressed with rhythmic inflection by prancing school children, has been utilized so many times it has degenerated to cliché.

It is also untrue.

The natural healing process of a physical injury causes a tangible evolution to wellness. We feel it. We see it. We know it is happening. Often, wounds from sticks and stones, ranging from bruising to lacerations result in little more than scarring, and the prompting of the story of ‘how it happened’ to be retold for decades of holidays.

But damage from offensive words can penetrate a depth beyond multiple layers of skin, taking root in one’s psyche. Injuries from words are impalpable, obscure—often we don’t even know they exist—and we may eventually fail to recover from such assaults.

Experienced writers clearly understand the connection between their thoughts and their pen, as it relates to the ability to place words onto a communication medium. Once ink has been transferred to paper, an idea is launched; a message is spread, and then absorbed. Like a nuclear explosion. Tap boom ripple, ripple, and ripple.

The mighty command of the pen enables an author to secure an audience and possibly capture a part of its soul. With this power, the author can choose to participate in wars of destruction, writing with blended applications of deception, manipulation, and degradation. Indeed, flocks of citizens have fallen to harm and confusion from these varieties of written works.

Conversely, the author can choose to utilize these powers to engage in wars of progression, expressing themes of truth, wisdom, and courage. It is not inconceivable for a nation to become inspired, challenged, or even revitalized with essays such as these.

The question is: how will you employ your weapon?
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This article has been read 1331 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
AnneRene' Capp
04/15/10
Powerful and well written message and was in agreement, right along side of you!

Good Job!!
Maria Egilsson
04/15/10
Thought provoking and I like the challenge thrown out at the end. Very well done.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
04/16/10
You write very true words indeed. The part about who were are comes out in our writing really resonates with me. I've been told I sometimes write on the dark side and should lighten up a bit, but it is a part of who I am.
Jan Ackerson
04/19/10
Very well done.
Sarah Elisabeth
04/23/10
Theresa, congrats on placing 9th in Level 1! That's an accomplishment :-)

If you haven't already, be sure to check out the highest rankings on the forums:

http://www.faithwriters.com/Boards/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=29573
Barbara Caldwell
07/31/13
Thanks for the thought provoking question. Your article appeared to be that of someone above the beginner's stage. I truly enjoyed reading this article.
Darna Bedwell Gutter 
08/13/17
As writers we do need to be reminded of the genuine power of the pen. Just browsing and came across your comments on another article and thought I'd check you out; glad I did. Beautifully written Theresa.