We all learn at an early age that there is power in
words. We see and experience firsthand
what it’s like to be brought low in a moment from someone’s careless words, and
we know what it’s like to be moved to overwhelming joy and comfort from words
of encouragement or support.
We all know that famous nursery rhyme lie – “Sticks and
stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” We are taught to repeat it over and over
again as if saying the words somehow makes it true – all the while knowing deep
down inside that it only takes a few words to break our hearts and belittle our
souls.
What’s tragic is the ability for these painful words to
stick with us, to linger and to eat away at who God has made us to be and who
He calls us to be. It takes enormous
focus and energy to overcome some of the damaging words. I have often wondered what it would be like
if I allowed other words to linger longer in my heart, words of encouragement and
hope. Words that built up. Words that reminded me of who God has called
me to be.
Recently we have been going through our home and trying to simplify. We want to de-clutter and use only what we
really need. In the midst of this
process, we have stumbled upon some projects we wanted to do – and the power of
words became one of our most recent projects.
We decided to try and answer that question of what life would look like
if we let other words linger longer.
So we chose our words prayerfully and carefully. We each picked words to inspire us and to
remind us of the things we often forget.
We chose to place those words in a prominent place – these words have
become one of the first things we see each morning, and one of the last things
we see at night.
Here are my words:
DREAM – One of my favorite authors says, “Your dreams fuel
your future.” I find it easy to get
caught up in the day to day, completing tasks and checking boxes. I need the reminder daily to dream. I need to allow God to explore my heart and
soul and dream of the future He has for me.
RISK – Anything worth experiencing or having comes at a
price. There is no reward without
risk. We are not called to sit on the
sidelines of life. Rather we are called
to step up to our fears and risk what we have already attained for something
more and sometime better. Nothing great
has ever been accomplished without great risk.
In order to become all that God calls you to be you must risk everything
and put your trust in Him.
CREATE – I believe that our God is at His core a
creator. He spoke the entire world into existence,
all of its beauty, complexity, and enormity accomplished by His
inspiration. I also believe we are
created in His image meaning that inside each of us there is a piece of the
creator. We have the same desire to
create – be it through art, word, our craft or our relationships. Each of us is a creator. I need to be reminded to tune into that
creative side and unleash what God has poured into my heart and mind.
INSPIRE – There are many who have gone before me that have
inspired the greatest journeys of my heart.
They were willing to dream, risk, and create. They were willing to fail. Throughout the scriptures and throughout my
years God has used others to inspire me.
I need to remember that He may want to use me to do the same for
others. I want to be open to the
opportunities to engage and challenge those I care about most to be the best
they can be.
PLAY - My final word is also the word I chose to
highlight. It’s not the most important
word in my set, but it may be the one I need to remember most. This word is something God has been showing
me as I have become a father. There is
nothing I love more than playing with my son and watching Him play. I imagine God takes great pleasure in
watching me enjoy this world, and all of the people He has placed in my life. I need to make time to play.
My words will not be your words, but I encourage you to take
some time and figure out what words breathe life into you. I promise you it will be worth your time and
effort. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and
life are in the power of the tongue”.
When you fill your heart and your heart with words that give life – you will
become the kind of person who breathes life into others through your words.
