Charlotte’s Web

By E.B. White 

Copyright 1952

 The power of words.  

The power of just one carefully chosen word.  

I’ve read Charlotte’s Web multiple times over my life, gaining some different piece of knowledge from it each reading.  But this last time, what I gathered from it is that sometimes, all it takes is one kind, affirming word to change – and maybe even save – a life.  

  
“Charlotte had written the word RADIANT, and Wilbur really looked radiant as he stood in the golden sunlight.  Ever since the spider had befriended him, he had done his best to live up to his reputation.  When Charlotte’s web said SOME PIG, Wilbur had tried hard to look like some pig.  When Charlotte’s web said TERRIFIC, Wilber had tried to look terrific.  And now that the web said RADIANT, he did everything possible to make himself glow.”

If a person hears a kind word about themselves, they just might start to believe it and gain the confidence they need to step outside their comfort zone and try something new.  They just might push themselves a little harder to live up to that word.

SOME PERSON – TERRIFIC – RADIANT – and last but not least – HUMBLE

Those are the words that Charlotte used to describe her friend Wilbur.  Carefully chosen, considerate words can indeed save a life.