The Power of Words – Part 1

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.