Toothpaste Plate
"You will remember this plate for the rest of your life. Your words have the power of life or death. As you go into school, you are about to see just how much weight your words can carry. You are going to have the opportunity to use your words to hurt, demean, slander and wound others. You are also going to have the opportunity to use your words to heal, encourage, inspire and love others. You will occasionally make the wrong choice; I can think of many times this week I have used my own words carelessly and caused harm. Just like this toothpaste, once your words leave your mouth, you can't take them back. Use your words carefully, my dear. When others are misusing their words, guard your words. Make the choice every morning that life-giving words will out of your mouth. Decide tonight that you are going to be a life giver in school. Be known for gentleness and compassion. Use your life to give life to a word that so desperately needs it. You will never, ever regret choosing kindness."
