What is a promise?
A promise is a testimony, or a declaration, of pure intention. It is a string of words that ties one’s intention, honesty, and willingness to fulfill. A promise may feel like mere words, but the impact they have weighs all other forms of commitment.
When one commits, it is mostly documented. However, a commitment without any documentation is one of the most complex forms of commitment to be fulfilled. So, when these are honored, they always carry more value.
But what does it really mean to make a promise and to keep it as well?
Well, in simplest words, one may say it means stepping into a haven where trust and expectation live.
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”
-Paul Walker (Actor)-
Just like Paul Walker, known for his role in the Fast & Furious movie series, many people consider promises to be a deal-breaker.
WORDS THAT MATTERED
People make promises for a lot of reasons. They may include:
Showing Trust.
Showcasing Commitment.
Offering Reassurance.
Showing Affection.
To Inspire and Motivate.
My Promise To Emily
This is what Calvin Dudley’s My Promise to Emily is about. It is based on a real-life event from Calvin’s own life. My Promise to Emily serves as a lesson, a reminder, and an eye-opener for children and adults alike on what it really means to make a promise as well as keep it.
The story revolves around Calvin and a thirteen-year-old girl, Emily. What was supposed to be a solo fishing trip after a hectic school day for Calvin soon transitioned into an eye-opener for him.
There was something about Emily that had caught Calvin’s attention, and they both were drawn to each other. However, after conversing for a while, Calvin made a promise to Emily that he would give her his big catch, which made Emily quite happy.
However, when Calvin was able to get his hands on a catch, it turned out to be a great catch, for which he didn’t have the heart to hand it over to Emily. Instead of disappointment in Emily’s eyes, Calvin saw compassion, forgiveness, and understanding in Emily’s eyes for him.
Calvin felt incredibly guilty and again made a promise to give the following big catch to her. The next catch was even better, but still, Calvin kept his word and gave it to Emily.
This story shows how simple expressions and words can form a bond or relationship easily, even with a stranger one has just met. Similarly, failing to honor a commitment or promise can significantly weaken and spoil relationships and bonds. What can be deduced is that promises play a crucial role in laying the foundation for any relationship.
POWER OF MERE WORDS
Promises, or simply said, a commitment, hold immense power. It is like a binding power that holds relationships close and worth being cherished. One can say it is the glue that sticks two papers together. There are multiple roles that a promise fulfills to hold bonds and relationships together and keep them going strong.
Promises Lay the Foundation of Trust
Offers Emotional Security
Mold Expectations and Boundaries
Facilitate Healing and Rebuilding
However, when words and commitment are not honored, it can lead a relationship to its doom. Even what once was relatively ‘unbreakable’ or ‘untouchable’ seems to break. It is like a blooming flower stepping into the process of withering. When promises are broken, things can take a turn in a direction no one would have anticipated when a bond or relation was formed.
Emotional Heartbreak
Loss of Trust
Deterioration of Relationships
Decline in Credibility
Failure of Expectations
Thus, promises are the core element in both the formation and breaking of relationships. This indicates the power mere words hold. Promises and commitments are what keep everyone together.
A GENTLE REMINDER TO FULFILL PROMISES
In today’s time, breaking promises and leaving commitments unfulfilled is like a cup of tea. Where once these promises were considered the binding force of relationships, whether it was between parents and children, husband and wife, between siblings, friends, work colleagues, or between legal heads and councilors, one would think before deciding about bonds and relations.
Calvin Dudley’s My Promise to Emily serves as a poignant reminder, or an eye-opener, for people about the importance of promises and commitments during difficult times.
This book, through Calvin’s life experience, emphasizes how much power these promises hold, especially to those to whom they were made. For them, these promises are not just words, but a hope to feel wanted, respected, and valued.
“Promises are like crying babies in a theater; they should be carried out at once.”
-Norman Vincent Peale (Minister and author)-
My Promise to Emily by Calvin Dudley is now available on Amazon. Give it a read now!
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