Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Word Power



Thank you for joining me today for In Other Words. Of the many wonderful quotes I've read over the years, this is one of those that I want to become a life goal for me.

There is a little phase most of us know, and probably learned at a very young age…,




“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

I don't think a greater fallacy was ever spoken. If I asked you to think of some hurtful words that caused pain in your life, they would probably come right back to mind, along with the pain that came with them. We are all guilty, and we say words we often regret. Unfortunately, they can never be taken back once they are spoken.

Isn't it amazing how powerful our words really are? On one hand, words can pierce, divide and cause so much pain, but just like a double-edged sword, they can also bring healing, hope and so much comfort.

As I pondered on this quote, one of the first scriptures that came to my mind is in Proverbs where it says:

"Pleasant words are as honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24)

This metaphor brings to mind eating something delicious and delightful. Have you ever thought of your words as something that can go to the very soul of another person?

The positive, uplifting and kind words you choose will have the power to bring “healing to the bones” of the hearer! The marrow of the bones represents life itself.

We have all been damaged by reckless words, but oh the healing that comes from those kind and comforting ones. Just like an echo, one way or another, they are played over and over in our minds. One of the things I miss so much about my precious mother was her ability to say such comforting words to me when I was confused, hurt or feeling down.

However, I have been blessed to have an older sister who is there and does the very same thing. No matter what I'm going through, I know I can pick up the phone and she will say something kind or encouraging, and immediately I feel so much better. In Proverbs the Bible says,

“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word can cheer him up.” (Prov. 12:25)

I pray I will be able to speak “kind words” to others each and every day.

There are always opportunities are all around us to bless and encourage others.
Just think how a simple prayer, thoughtful comment, or kind word could change the course of someone's life? Can I challenge you to make this one of your goals this year?

Every word we choose today will make a difference in someone's life...one way or another!




Lord, help me to be sensitive in the words I choose to speak each day. Let my words bring healing and hope to those who are hurting. Thank you father for the many kinds words that have been spoken to me. Be glorified in all I do and say, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.






If you would like join us today for In Other Words, please add your name to Mr. Linky and post your article here. Then link back to this site so others can be blessed! Thanks so much for stopping by today.


23 comments:

God's Girl said...

What an awesome post! What a blessing to read this today. God has great timing! : )

Thanks so much for sharing!

Edie said...

I have been praying about this lately. I tend to be a problem solver and so notice the negative things too quickly sometimes. I've been praying that God would help me to see the positive first and find words to encourage others. This is a good reminder. Thanks Susan.

Susannah said...

A wonderful quote, and a wonderful reflection, Susan.

Don't we bloggers love the power of well-chosen words???

How delightful to learn you have an older sister who encourages you with her thoughtful comments. What a blessing for you.

I won't be participating in this meme this week, but I just wanted to stop by and say "Hi!"

(((Hugs))) e-Mom

Kathryn @ Expectant Hearts said...

Yes, words do have great power don't they? Thank you for hosting this. I"m reminded of the many kind words that help heal MY heart. I hope I can bestow that same gift to others as well!

michelle said...

Hey! We picked the same verse! :-)

Laurie Ann said...

Awesome post, Susan! Words truly do have power to heal or to harm. I love how you so eloquently stated that our words do matter. I'll take that challenge, by the way! I pray that my words would bring the light into someone's life that will help them on their way...

Karen said...

Boy isn't that the truth! Thanks for today's quote.

Miriam Pauline said...

Great post on a wonderful quote. Bless you for hostin us this week!

luvmy4sons said...

It is an awesome quote. Truly the power of life and death is in the tongue as scripture tells us!

Esthermay Bentley-Goossen said...

Excellent quote. I'm looking forward to visiting everyone today. I especially appreciate your prayer. And I think it's important to remember that nearly EVERYONE we come in contact with is hurting in some way -- hidden or obvious -- and our words do echo whether we've applied the wisdom of Proverbs or not.
Happy IOW!
~esthermay @The Heart of a Pastor's Wife

lori said...

LOOK at YOU!!! You pulled it off...and all that worrying for nothing!! LOL!!

I LOVE this quote from Mother Teresa...what a woman of profound grace. It's just so important to think about especially when we live in a world where words are so casually used....They DO have lasing impacts on souls and hearts!!

Thanks for putting this out there!
Hugs to you!!

peace!
lori

Faith said...

I like this! ANd I love the quote...
I haven't participated in this but I did just finish a post about what the Lord was showing me in my devotional time before leaving for my classroom...maybe I will try this next week..

Runner Mom said...

This was great! I need to hear those kind words, and I need to remember to use them as well.
Love ya,
Susan

Tea with Tiffany said...

One of our workshops from the retreat this past weekend was about our words as worship. Wow, this post is timely for me. Loved it.

Thinking of YOU! Thank you for the sweetest email of understanding last week. You made my day.

Hugs and love,
Tiffany

Patricia said...

Enjoyed your words of encouragement. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to participate. Blogging is a new adventure for me.

Aunt Angie said...

Susan---I had no idea what the discussion today was...but this is right on target. One of my co-workers and I had a conversation of the "pain" endured from hurtful words---and the joy--that comes from a word of blessing. I have felt both---I am sure most everyone has. What a difference carefully chosen words can make!
I really enjoyed this post today---glad I stopped by!

Pat Thacker said...

Wonder post Susan,thanks for your encouraging words.Enjoyed your post.

Maxine said...

Especially to our children. Our words can have an affect on them to match no others. Our words can make a profound difference in their futures. May our kind and sweet words touch their hearts for Jesus.
Thanks,Susan, for your usual good words to us, your sisters in blogland.

Tami said...

Thanks for this important challenge, Susan.

LisaShaw said...

This is TIMELY and powerful!

Paula V said...

I like that quote of Mother Teresa's. That's good. Love the Proverb verses. Proverbs are so wonderful. Doesn't the word honeycomb sound so soothing to the heart. May I have pleasant words sweet as honeycomb.

Heather said...

What a great quote to remind us to count each word and make each word count. Sorry I didn't come by earlier so I could have participated this week...

Anonymous said...

An excellent post . . . I wrote in a similar vein about how our actions can impact others even when we have no idea it is happening!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Hopeful Spirit
On the Horizon