Words have the power to break or to heal. It all depends on how they are used and for what they are used.
I tell three stories, today, on (in)courage about being wounded in community with words, but then how other words have been used to heal.
Come join me today!
It’s ridiculous how much just five little words can hurt.
“What are you doing here?”
And it’s ludicrous to think that even now as a grown woman I give those words the same power that I gave them when I was eleven-years-old.
Alongside puberty in a girl comes a painful self-awareness that she is inadequate in comparison with almost everyone else. When I was eleven I lived in fear of someone calling me out of a crowd, of being the center of attention and of people not wanting me around. I was clumsy and self-conscious and never felt like I fit in anywhere.
Before middle school began I tried to envision myself walking into the seventh grade lunch room, searching for a seat and then being asked, “What are you doing here?” By the time I got there, I did find friends but I still lived with the worry of being left out...
This week the theme on (in)courage is forgiveness when community has wounded you. The only way that I know how to begin the process of healing anything, even the pain of five ridiculously powerful uttered words is to begin to participate in the healing process of others.
So I began to say five other words. Five words with power and intention and life…
To read the rest, click here.
I needed to read this today. Thank you.
I look forward to seeing you at Allume.
yay!! thank you! i can’t wait for PA! =)