I don’t think I have to tell you that words are powerful.
I’m not always the best with them, I think. I consider myself a communicator but I can’t write with snarky humor like her, or paint a word portrait of heart-wrenching beauty like her. And although I write from a poet’s heart, I don’t use poet’s words like her.
I really do try to use words well. {I guess we all have our own places in the world of words}
Last week I wrote about how someone else’s verbal explosion when I was fifteen altered the course of my life. Those were words that hid selfishness, that exposed her own hurts and that were delivered with a venom weak with pride. It changed me.
And so many of you talked openly about words that had been said to you over the course of your lives. You remembered each one with accurate detail and I was brought to tears because of the vividness.
That says something, doesn’t it?
But words don’t always work that way. They have set me free with wings I didn’t know I had. A few months ago a friend spoke some words to me, a step of faith at the time, but have begun to alter the course of my life. I promise you she didn’t know that that was what would happen. Faith on her part is bringing freedom to me.
And then last week an author-friend told me,
YOU CAN WRITE THIS. There is a book in that.
I can? Yeah, maybe I can. And maybe I will be able to look back on that sentiment and recognize how the spoken-words of a friend changed me. Fixed a funk in me. Helped me see myself with different eyes.
So don’t try to tell me you don’t have a voice. An audience. Words to say.
You do. The words are sitting there on your tongue and at the top of your heart ready to be spoken. The audience you say you don’t have? It’s sitting at your kitchen table during breakfast or next to you on the bus.
Today:
Say a word. A good one. One that heals with wisdom and one said in faith.
But be careful what you say in outburst to your kids, husband, the sales girl at the store. Words can alter the course of a life.
Do you need to say something today?
The lines of strong communication is simply talking things over quietly, composed, using appreciation, admiration, respect, encouragement, understanding. Attitudes are expressed by a smile and expresses the desire for unity. (& peace).
Years ago a teacher handed me an academic award I’d earned, and then announced to the class that she didn’t see how I’d managed to get it. It’s always made me question my “smarts.” But the blessing is that, even way back then, I really got what words can do. And it’s motivated me to go out of my way to speak a kind word, and be very, very prayerful and careful about speaking a word of criticism.
Most nights when I tuck my twin boys into their beds I ask them, “are you proud of your words and actions today.” They understand and they light up when they can say, “yes, dad, I am.” I know they sleep well when they can say this to me, and when they can’t, well, tomorrow is another day…
Love that! I am going to borrow that from you and say it to my children at night. What a wonderful way to help them strive for a heart pleasing to God and words that build up others instead of tear them down. What a good Daddy you are!
It is a wonderful moment for me, when we have these exchanges, at the end of the days. They truly understand that this is their responsibility: that their actions AND their words of each day make them proud. There is no need for me to say anything further, nor them after they respond — we trust each other I believe. Thanks for the warm fuzzy Kathleen!
Awwww. You’re too sweet. I used to wish I could write like Sarah Markley. But you’re right. We all have our gifts. Mine happens to be snark. Dipped in estrogen.
LOVE YOU! XOXO
Heh… Mine is sarcasm. Prolly should get rid of that…
I believe that if your words have helped someone, guided someone, showed comapssion to someone that they were the right one. I will love to be able to write but as long as my words are true i am happy and content. A wonderful post, thank you xxx
Sarah, I love this post! I have been hurt deeply by words and have become very careful and prayerful when speaking. Words can either wound or heal a heart, scripture says that the tongue is a 2 edged sword. I believe we are meant to speak words of life to each other. Thank you for your words, they speak truth and life:)
Thanks for the reminder to speak words with wisdom and words of faith. Your words are always a blessing to me.
Thank you for this ‘writing’. I too have been wounded by words from a sister and it is an open wound that won’t heal no matter how much ‘first aide’ I try to apply.
A heart hurt is a sad thing, all I can do is pray and hope that restoration is possible and that some day we will be real with each other and then build on a new relationship.
Sarah – your words really encouraged me today. Thanks so much!
-Joel
I just had to write you to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. I just recently stumbled upon it, and I just can’t tell you how much your posts have meant to me. Praying for you that God will continue to work in your life and give you boldness as you serve Him. You are being used in a great way for Him.
In His precious, unfailing love,
Melanie
~ melscoffeebreak.blogspot.com ~
So post today was so touching, it brought me to tears. Your words inspire me to think and feel things that I keep locked away and bottled up…like your post about sending the apology letter -I totally understood your fear and dread and guilt and desire to make amends or seek forgiveness and I too wrote a letter, a year ago, to someone I needed to apologize too for something I did more than 20 years ago. I never received a response which is okay. The forgiveness we seek heals us even if it isn’t granted. God sees our hearts and judges us by that more than any action or deed. Just know that what you have to say makes a difference in my life. And I think you should write your book!!
I have been struggling with words alot lately. Words are my life. I always try to respect the way I use words. I have become especially careful over the last few years because of how others have hurt me with them so—especially my husband. His words hurt the most, it’s his words I can never let go. its his words that have a resounding ring in my ears. And I am afraid to say it is his words that are slowly driving me away.
i’m so sorry monique. i pray for you tonight.
It’s not so much the words for me as the tone. Constant struggle. Which is ok. It means I (should) stop & think about the tone before I let it loose. I’m not always successful, but the % of time I am is better than what it used to be…which was 0.
You, Sarah, have said so many good words to me. Thank you for this post.
I have a hard time with my temper. I most often let guilt nearly choke me to death on account of my words.
I’ve found that the nearer I recognize God to be, the fewer words I say.
On more than one occasion your words have brought hope, healing and courage to this heart. Yours may not look like those of your friends, but the expression of your gift is touching and impacting lives in ways you may never know. Thank you for sharing your gift with us. When you are feeling discouraged and ill-equipped just know that for at least one of your readers (and I suspect many of us) your words are like a balm to my soul. Love you friend!
Thank you. Sarah, and dear women of faith here, for the words you share! ( oh, I don’t want to forget the guys either!) You help bring life and light to my days!
Thank you for this lovely reminder. Words are indeed powerful — either as weapons or to let people fly. I hope my words fall in the latter.
XOXO
This was a message from Jesus, to me, through you, “But be careful what you say in outburst to your kids, husband, the sales girl at the store. Words can alter the course of a life.” My 3 year old daughter and I are having a hard time communicating, my husband and I have something festering that needs to be discussed. I am going in to these discussions with a change of heart. – Thanks!
i think allowing the Lord to control our words and finding our voice to tell of the great works He has done in our hearts has incredible power to bring Him so much glory. i think it is also very dangerous to the Enemy. i pray that i will be able to live out:
“may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, o Lord, my rock and my redeemer” -psalm 19:14
and i hope that the Lord will use my story to bring Himself a ridiculous amount of glory and hopefully further His Kingdom. . .
thank you Sarah for this reminder. Words spoken by me with little patience and with harshness are affecting my marriage right now. i have lots of words…i just need to use them with wisdom as you say. love u.