The Weight of Words

I often heard the creation story in Genesis. It amazed me to think about the world being created in six days.
What I missed for years was how it was created.

It wasn’t through strength or battle—it was through words.
“Let there be light.” And there was light.

Words, abstract as they are, have the power to shape the world around us. They can direct a nation or change the life of a man.

But too often, we forget this. We speak carelessly, unaware that our words are forging or fracturing the people around us—especially those we lead.
One of the clearest examples of this is found in one of my favorite movie franchises, Star Wars

Two Mentors, Two Methods

Think of how Obi-Wan speaks to Anakin in Attack of the Clones.
He calls him “my young padawan learner,” often correcting or chastising him in public.
His tone carries authority—but also a subtle edge of shame.

Obi-Wan deeply cares for Anakin, but his communication builds distance rather than trust. He’s the mentor who believes correction alone will create growth.

We’ve all had a mentor like that—someone who tries to build us up by tearing us down first. Sometimes it works. But over time, that kind of leadership breeds resentment. We start believing we’ll never measure up. Eventually, we stop listening altogether.

I call this shaming into compliance.
It’s a style of mentorship that wins obedience but loses hearts.

The Qui-Gon Difference

Now compare Obi-Wan to Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace.
Qui-Gon is warm, steady, and confident in Anakin. He sees the boy’s flaws, but also his potential.

When Anakin admits he’s never finished a pod race, Qui-Gon doesn’t shame him—he simply shows confidence in Anakin for the upcoming race. His guidance never diminishes Anakin’s dignity.

Qui-Gon starts with love, and then speaks truth. That order matters.

When we mentor or lead, we must first love the person in front of us. Only then can our words direct them toward virtue. When discipline is needed, it should never be to make someone feel less than, but to help them become more than they were before.

Forging Through Encouragement

This week, take a moment to evaluate your own leadership.
Do your words shame or encourage?
Do they drive compliance or inspire growth?

Start by loving the person you’re leading.
See their potential. Speak with hope. Correct with calm strength.

Because words still carry the power of creation.
They can bring light where there’s darkness—and life where there’s despair.

Forge Ahead

Anvil: the place of formation.
Arrow: the mission we’re sent on.

If you are looking for a saint who is the best kind of mentor, look to St. John Bosco.

The world needs more men formed in virtue. Forward this to a brother who’s ready to grow.

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