Why even the smallest expressions can grow into something powerful and lasting

The Power of Planting a Seed

As we arrived at my parents-in-law’s house for Thanksgiving many years ago, I saw something extraordinary. A bamboo plant had forced its way up through five inches of black macadam. I could hardly believe it. Only a small green shoot showed itself, but it was an impressive feat. On another occasion, on vacation in the south of France, I came across another amazing phenomenon: a boulder taller than a man, split clean in two by a small tree that had grown through a tiny crevice at its center. The rock appeared impossible to cleave in two, but there it was. These sights stopped me in my tracks. They are quiet but unforgettable reminders of the strength that lives inside a seed.

At first glance, a seed seems insignificant. But it can become a stalk of bamboo strong enough to crack pavement or a tree powerful enough to part stone. Words are similar, and we often use them thoughtlessly, daily. And the spoken word can manifest into actions, irreversible, deadly actions.

We plant seeds every day, only many of them take the form of words.

Words may seem small at first. A comment here, a bit of encouragement there, but they do not disappear after we speak them. They settle into the hearts and minds of others, and into our own.  Like seeds hidden under the soil, they begin to take root. Some words sprout into strength, comfort, or courage. Others may lie dormant until a moment of weakness, when they emerge as doubt, discouragement, or worse, into violence and deadly force.

I often think about this in my own life. I’ve seen the power of words firsthand. A kind word spoken years ago can still rise up in me, steadying me in difficult times. “You can do it!” or even better, “You can do anything you set your mind to if you do the work.” And I can remember careless, hurtful remarks, words that still echo long after they were said. That is why I need to be mindful about the seeds I plant when speaking to my children, friends, or even myself. My children have often told me that my words were hurtful when I meant no harm at all. For this, I ask them to forgive me. Other times, people have said, “You changed my life! Thank you,” because of something I said to them.

Words are dangerous as they are delightful. In the climate of hate that has descended on this country, it is shocking how hateful a conversation can become in person, face to face. Behind a screen, as in social media, it is even more easily done without consequences. There seems to be no shame in swearing at people or calling them names. These things simply did not happen in polite society before the Internet let people vent anonymously.

This is not the same as the idea that words are “weapons” simply because someone takes offense. I’m talking about something much deeper: the generative, creative force of language itself. Words can give life, or they can stifle it. They can open doors or quietly close them. 

When I think of bamboo breaking through asphalt or a tree splitting stone, I see a lesson for us all. Even the smallest word, spoken with intention, has the power to reshape a life– or it can end a life.

Occasionally, events are so horrific that the public reacts collectively with shock and disgust. This is a time to reflect and moderate our actions. Take stock and allow common sense to dictate what we should do next. Our words can help create peace or exacerbate anger and retaliation.

So, I ask myself, and I invite you to ask yourself, what kind of seeds are we planting? Do our words give others the courage to stand tall, grow, and push through obstacles? Do they nourish hope and resilience? Or do they leave behind weeds of criticism and discouragement? Do they lead to murder or assassination?

Life has repeatedly shown us that one small seed can change the entire landscape. Imagine what our words could do if we chose them with care.

This week, despite the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the deadly knifing of Iryna Zarutska a few days ago, try planting just one deliberate seed with your words; an encouragement, a kindness, a blessing. You may not see the results immediately, but trust, it will grow.

 In time, that seed may split stone.

Copyright©. 2025 Bonnie B. Matheson