Dec. 29, 2009 — When the king spoke

Our words have power and consequences.

England's King Henry II became frustrated because his friend Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was preventing Henry's efforts to exert authority over both the state and the Catholic Church.

Henry became so frustrated that he spoke out publicly about the bothersome Becket. Perhaps he meant Becket no real harm. But on this date in 1170, four of Henry's knights assassinated Becket in Canterbury Cathedral. The church made Becket a saint, and Henry later had to do penance at Becket's tomb.

Well, our words are powerful, and what we say can harm those around us, even people we call our friends.

Just a thought. I'm Sid Batts from First Presbyterian Church in downtown Greensboro, fpcgreensboro.org.