In Israel we read the Torah Portion of Tazria-Metzora, one of the main themes is the skin affliction of leprosy and the ensuing purification process. Our sages tell us that one of the reasons for leprosy is the sin of evil/slanderous speech. The famed Chofetz Chaim wrote extensively on this prohibition and aroused the masses to the severity of evil speech. This has Thank G-d become a commandment that at least people are much more aware of and try to follow. Although much focus is placed on refraining from evil speech (and rightfully so) we need to be aware of the flip side as well, "kind speech". For some reason we have a strong urge to gossip and speak lowly of others, at times it can be extremely difficult to refrain from doing so."Kind speech" on the other hand, can have a profound impact on someone and in theory with a little bit of effort this can be done easily. How often have we gone through a difficult time or had a bad day, sometimes someone we know or even a stranger may come up to us and just say a few kind words and it can change everything. We usually are totally unaware of the pain other's are going through, a nice word though can change everything.
R'Bidderman tells of a story of "Chaim" an administrator of an educational institute in Israel. Chaim traveled to the USA to raise money for his institution. Unfortunately, his fundraising campaign wasn't very successful.He was staying with an old friend from day school, in the NYC area, this friend asked Chaim if remembers "Yankel" from school as well.
He told him to call up Yankel, as he is a very successful business man and see if he could make a donation.
Chaim replied that he does in fact remember him but was hesitant to call as he and Yankel weren't really friends in school.He didn't think he would help him very much. Nevertheless, he decided that he had nothing to lose so he called up "Yankel" and introduced himself. Yankel said of course he remembers him and that he should come meet him in Monsey. Chaim made the trip to Monsey and when Yankel met him he gave him a check for $18k. Yankel then began calling a number of business acquaintances and urged them to donate money as well until he was able to send Chaim away with $50k. Chaim turned to Yankel and expressed his deep gratitude but asked Yankel if he does this for everyone who visits from Israel to raise money. Yankel responded that of course not, but that they studied together in school. Chaim said that he realizes that, but they weren't very close so why did he expend so much effort and money to help him? Yankel told Chaim, that he owes him his life. Chaim looked bewildered, so Yankel continued. Yankel said "I had a very hard time in school when we were younger and everyone said that I would be worthless in life". I was ready to get up and leave school, dropout entirely, but you passed by me in the hallway, and gave me a cheerful slap on the back and said "Yankel, you are awesome". Those few words gave me new life. I decided I would stay in school and reapply myself.
With just a few kind words, Chaim didn't even realize that he was saving Yankel. How many Yankels are out there? Around us all the time. Let us just try at least once a day to be a Chaim, say a kind word to someone. It may be our spouse, child, parent, friend or co-worker or even a total stranger but a kind word can go a long way.