Don’t Cut The Thorns Off

How can words be so powerful? What is it about a well constructed metaphor that can hit you precisely in the right spot to trigger an emotional response or cause you to resonate so deeply?

I think metaphors are beautiful. To take something such as a collection of words or actions and apply it to something that it is not literally applicable. It’s special.

I was listening to an interview recently, I can’t recall with who. Maybe I should start writing that information down so I can refer back to it.

Anyway, during this interview the person speaking stated that you should never cut the thorns off.

He was referring to his own story of pain and triumph.

Of course I began to explore this phrase and how is resonated with me.

Don’t cut the thorns off.

I immediately thought of a rose. A global symbol of love and affection.

A thoughtful reminder we give to those we love to show our appreciation and adoration.

For most when they think of a rose they think of the beautiful red flower. The end result of a long process.

Rarely if ever, do we think of the thorns.

The sharp, painful features of the global symbol of love.

If you’ve ever been cut or pricked by the thorns from a rose you’ll understand how that feels. Despite that pain, the rose flower remains beautiful.

I feel there is something magical about this concept and I think about my own thorns. Does the pain my own thorns cause make me any less beautiful? No.

Our thorns are a large contributor to our own unique beauty.

Don’t cut the thorns off.