One of the most familiar phrases we heard as children was that “sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you.”  Sure the intent may have been wrapped in love – a parent teaching a child to ignore the mean words and taunts of others.  However, an unkind or insensitive word can break confidence, esteem, drive, emotions, and morale.  Is the “sticks and stones” saying a valuable one? Or, when we are wounded by the words of others, is it because we are being too sensitive, and need to develop a “thick skin”?  Maybe it depends on who is speaking the hurtful words.  Maybe it shouldn’t matter who speaks hurtful word to us – we should let it roll like “water off a duck’s back”.  Are we, generally speaking too sensitive, or too insensitive when receiving the words of others?