A powerful short story about the impact of words spoken in anger. It is a short story that can also be used as an object lesson or you can play the video.
We have all been there, where we have been so mad at someone we just wanted to SCREAM! And how many of us have found ourselves letting go of that anger by screaming words that we later regretted?
The following is a powerful story of the impact of words spoken in anger.
This is one of those versatile resources, meaning there are a few different ways you can use it.
1) You can use it simply as a short story.
2) You can add a hammer, nails, and a piece of wood and turn it into an object lesson.
3) Use it as an audiovisual and show the video.
Do whichever one works best for you.
OBJECT LESSON
I love object lessons so when I first told this story in Family Home Evening, as I told the story I hammered in a few nails into a piece of wood (I’ll have to admit, I did not hammer them in ALL the way). At the end, I pulled the nails out and my family could see the marks that the nails left behind. If you want to leave bigger marks, then yes, hammer the nails in much farther than I did – just be sure you’ll be able to pull them out 😉
STORY
A Bag of Nails
There once was a young boy with a very bad temper. The boy’s father wanted to teach him a lesson, so he gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper he must hammer a nail into their wooden fence.
On the first day of this lesson, the little boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. He was really mad!
Over the course of the next few weeks, the little boy began to control his temper, so the number of nails that were hammered into the fence dramatically decreased.
It wasn’t long before the little boy discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails 
into the fence.
Then, the day finally came when the little boy didn’t lose his temper even once, and he became so proud of himself, he couldn’t wait to tell his father.
Pleased, his father suggested that he now pull out one nail for each day that he could hold his temper.
Several weeks went by and the day finally came when the young boy was able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.
Very gently, the father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence.
You have done very well, my son, he smiled, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same.
The little boy listened carefully as his father continued to speak.
When you say things in anger, they leave permanent scars just like these. And no matter how many times you say you’re sorry, the wounds will still be there.
VIDEO
QUOTE
May we all remember the words of Pres. Hinckley,
“I plead with you to control your tempers, to put a smile upon your faces, which will erase anger; speak out with words of love and peace, appreciation, and respect. If you will do this, your lives will be without regret. Your marriages and family relationships will be preserved. You will be much happier. You will do greater good. You will feel a sense of peace that will be wonderful.”
(Slow to Anger, October 2007)
May we always watch our words and live our lives without regret.
For another great story that illustrates the power of words, Click HERE
Stories are a powerful way to teach gospel principles. The Savior is a great example of this as the scriptures are filled with stories and parables that He taught during His ministry. Be sure you are kept aware of all the newest short stories that are shared here in Melanie’s Library by signing up for inspiring resources to be delivered right to your inbox! Sign up today 🙂
For a Free download of Pres. Hinckley’s quote image, Click HERE
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