SARCASM

"Every moment of every day I have the chance to choose between cynicism and joy."

— Henri Nouwen

I would like to add to this the word 'sarcasm'.  We all have the ability to choose sarcasm or not.  It can wound and cut to the bone, almost intentionally.  Sarcasm is never pretty, nor is it necessary or invited.  Whatever needs to be said can most definitely be said without sarcasm. Sarcasm is the language of the discourteous and rude. Lawrence G. Lovasik says it best when he said, "A sarcastic person has a superiority complex that can be cured only by the honesty of humility."

A sarcastic person insists on the last word. It seems we suffer from too much bitter, intended sarcasm! It is a defense mechanism and it is pathetic.  It is a misuse of energy.

We and we alone are responsible for what we say.  We would like to think that sarasm is a deliberate statement with intent for humor. But you be the judge.  Most of the time it doesn't feel good and has been said maliciously, telling us exactly who the person is that felt this need to be sarcastic.

"Sarcasm is  the last refuge of modest and chaste-souled people when the privacy of their soul is coarsely and intrusively invaded."

~Fyodor Dostoevski 1821-1881, Russian Novelist

The opposite of a small minded person resorting to sarcasm is the simple faithful act of giving.  This is love in action. Giving of oneself, giving of kindness, giving of responsibility and committment to your work, your job.

"Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you - not because they are nice, but because you are."

~Author Unknown

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