Jessica E.B. White was the author of many popular children’s books. One of his most well-known works was Charlotte’s Web. In this story, he brings together two unlikely friends, Charlotte a spider and Wilbur a pig.
After being sold to the Zuckerman farm, Wilbur meets Charlotte and they become cherished friends. It's not very long in his new environment that he realizes he is being raised to be slaughtered. He spends many days and nights sharing his fears with Charlotte. Her response to his concerns is a lesson of true friendship.
For weeks, Charlotte ponders about the way she can help preserve Wilbur’s life. Over time the answer becomes clear. She would focus on something positive about him and spin the word into her web. Every night she would toil to etch out words like ”terrific”, “radiant” and “humble”.
Her focus on Wilbur’s strengths rather than weaknesses encouraged others to do the same. People began to see Wilbur as more than just a pig, but as something special. In the end, it’s Charlotte’s positive perspective and influence that saves Wilbur.
Our words can either spin a web of pain and destruction for others or can be a glistening thread of hope. There are a limited number of letters that form our words, but the meaning these words convey have unlimited value.
Charlotte gave her life to build and strengthen someone else. The world would be a different place if we all chose to speak about others more thoughtfully. As E.B. White wrote, “With the right words, you can change the world.”