NO ONE EVER SAY I PRETTY

NO ONE EVER SAY I PRETTY
Monday, May 5, 2025 by LINDA WOOD RONDEAU

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased (Hebrews 13:6 NIV)

I hadn’t had a professional manicure in quite some time. But my upcoming trip to Colorado for my granddaughter’s college graduation enticed me to “go for it.”

The young manicurist didn’t speak much English and seemed to have a hard time understanding me. Fortunately, her supervisor, who was also Asian, spoke English and translated for me. I could only hope what I needed wouldn’t get lost in translation.

Once the manicurist understood what I wanted, alternating colors to match my granddaughter’s college colors, we set down to work. I said, “I know, crazy old lady.”

She smiled. I noticed she had one of the most engaging and beautiful smiles I’d ever seen. I told her she had a very beautiful smile, and added, “You’re very pretty.”

She looked confused. So her supervisor translated. Then she blushed as she said, “No one ever say, I pretty.”

“You like mother-in-law,” she said.

Not sure what she meant, she showed me a picture of her mother-in-law she kept on her phone, Caucasian women about my age.

I thought, how sad, no one ever told her how beautiful she was. I was glad I gave her some positive reinforcement. “You are very pretty, and never forget it,” I said.

In our divided and negative culture, I hear very few encouraging words exchanged between people. Positive thoughts are buried beneath mounds of anger, disappointment, and hostility.

The above verse not only reminds us to be kind and good in our actions, but I believe the command carries over to our dialogue as well.

My mother used to say, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”

Amen, Mom.

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