“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me!” Yeah, right!  How many times have we spoken those words as children (or even adults) when, in fact, we knew they weren’t true? We all know that untrue, dishonest words hurt deeply and can do immense damage in our lives.

While Reader’s Digest claims that “laughter is the best medicine”, may I suggest that “honesty” may be even better medicine?  Proverbs speaks of the healing effects of pleasant words or wise speech – an inference to honesty and truthfulness.  Honesty combined with compassion and kindness not only brings healing to others, it is good for our souls too.  After all, when honesty is the rule of our lives, we never have to lose sleep and worry about being caught in a lie or cheating – a stress that can have devastating consequences for us physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Honesty is not a highly treasured virtue in our time.  In those people where it is treasured, you will find peace, confidence, healing and, oh yes… laughter.  So, I guess honesty really is the best medicine after all.

FANNING THE FLAME
It is good to praise and reward our grandchildren for honesty so that they understand how highly valued honesty is by us and by God.  You might also consider building a library of books and stories that reinforce the value of honesty and truthfulness.  Here is a little story for younger children that can help teach the value of honesty.

GRANDPAUSE: “No legacy is so rich as honesty.” — Unknown

THE DUCK AND THE DEVIL
There was little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm.  He was given a slingshot to play with out the woods (a dangerous things for most little boys).  But Johnny was a good boy who was careful to use his slingshot for good things – at least most of the time.

He practiced and practiced in the woods, but could never seem to hit his target he had set up.  Getting a little discouraged, he headed back to his grandparents’ house for dinner.  As he was walking back, he saw Grandma’s pet duck.  Without thinking, he impulsively let the slingshot fly and hit the duck square in the head and killed it. 

Johnny was shocked and grieved!  How would he explain this?  In a panic he hid the dead duck in the wood pile, only to see his sister watching!  Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.

After lunch the next day, Grandma said, “Sally, let’s wash the dishes.”  But Sally said, “Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen with dishes.”  Then she whispered in his ear, “Remember the duck?”

So Johnny did the dishes.

Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing, and Grandma said, “I’m sorry, but I need Sally to help make supper.”  Sally just smiled and said, “Well, that’s alright because Johnny told me he wanted to help with supper today?”  Again she whispered, “Remember the duck?”

So, Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed home to help with supper.

After several days of doing both his chores and Sally’s chores, he finally couldn’t stand it any longer.  He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.

Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, “Sweetheart, I know.  You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you.  I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you before you decided it was better to be honest and tell the truth.  You see, God is always standing at the window.  He sees everything we do. He knows He will always love us and forgive us when we confess our mistakes with honesty.  He wants us to know it too, so that the Devil can’t make us His slave, just like Sally did.  Isn’t it better to be honest and free?”