ANGELS DON'T LEAVE FOOTPRINTS
"I will give you free access, (literally “walkers”) among those who stand here." (Zechariah 3:7)
In Angels Don’t Leave Footprints, Rabbi Twerski points out that angels are not created like man. They act in accordance with G-d command. They are described as standing because they always remain in the status in which they were created, following the purpose for which G-d created them.
Man, on the other hand, is the one creature created in the image of G-d. Man has the ability to grow and change. Twerski explains how man can leave a positive footprint in society and on those he loves with caring acts of Chessed, kindness and charity.
The book examines man’s self-esteem, and the basic responsibility we have to one another as humans versus the angelic realm. Psalms 115:16 states, “The heavens, the heavens are to G-d, but the earth He has given to mankind." It is man’s responsibility to imprint his fellow man with the footprint of the Lord, to walk in G-d’s ways, and to serve his fellow man with kindness.
Read along with us as we look closely at Rabbi Twerski book, Angels Don’t Leave Footprints.
Words That Hurt, Words That Heal
By Rabbi Telushkin
This book is highly recommended for everyone to read. It will cause you to reflect on your speech and your behavior with words. The Torah repeatedly makes the statement, “and God said….”. HaShem created the whole of creation from His speech. In addition, we are referred to in the Torah as, “speaking spirits”. The power of words has the ability to create or destroy. It is an endless daily choice man must make to utter words that kill or words that bring life.
Rabbi Telushkin quotes Psalms 34:13-14
“Who is the person who is eager for life, who desires years of good fortune? Guard your tongue from speaking evil, and your lips from deceitful speech."
Words that Hurt, Words that Heal, sits on my crowded bookcase right behind my desk in clear view. Every time I enter my office, without hesitation, I am reminded to watch my words and instantly begin accessing myself with interpersonal reflection. It is a book which will challenge you, yet at the same time encourage you to grow with your wisdom of words. I instantly began to see the improvements I need with my speech and thoughts.
This book covers a myriad of topics about speech, slander, gossip, criticism, and opinions (asked for or not). It also covers our speech, in all these categories, as to whether the statement is true or false. For example: we often give ourselves a pass simply by saying, ”well its true”. Wrong, in HaShem’s eye, just because a statement is true does not give us the right to necessarily speak it out.
Rabbi Telushkin brings wisdom and humor to the book making it an easy read for all of us. With today’s world, so driven by words, I encourage you to read this book. Keep it near and start the journey of learning just how powerful our words are. Our words really are important to one another and to God. In the words of Moses, “Choose Life,” by choosing to gain the knowledge of knowing when to speak or when to pray and stay silent.
I pray you all are blessed by Words that Hurt, and Words that Heal.
Chaplain Ruthann Crosby
