Words Matter
Do you realize that your words matter? Words are more powerful than we can ever imagine.
Words encourage.
Words empower.
Words excite.
Words equip.
Words engage.
Words entertain.
But words can equally cause the opposite reaction.
Words matter.
Any one who has been bullied knows the power of words. I can still remember in sixth grade as we completed a study about the American Indian being called “Indian Fatso.” Not only do I still feel the sting of the words, I can picture the classroom, hear the boy’s taunting voice and even know which row my desk occupied.
A torn jacket is soon mended; but hard words bruise the heart of a child.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Ever notice how negative words remain seared in our hearts and wrapped their tangled, deep roots around our fragile ego? On the other hand, compliments and sincere comments drip off our skin like water on a duck.
Words are like eggs dropped from great heights; you can no more call them back than ignore the mess they leave when they fall.
Jodi Picoult
March contains interesting observances about words. This week is National Write a Letter of Appreciation Week.
March 11 is also celebrated as National Words Matter Day, though I have also read references to this being observed last week too.
No matter when we mark the day or week, the challenge to each of us is to be aware of how we use words – positively, making a difference in the world or spewing negativity and dark daggers towards others.
Words are loaded pistols.
Jean-Paul Sartre
Words can be either bullets or seeds.
I hope from now on to be intentional in my use of words. Listen to my vocabulary. Chose silence if words are not necessary and only used to stroke my ego. Be life-giving with what I say and provide hope, not discouragement. Use words to inform and form, not just make noise.
Words matter.
This week I am writing thank you notes. I attended the Florida Christian Writers conference last week and plan now to send a letters of appreciation to their organizers, people I met and the keynote speaker, Robert Benson. I loved his presentations and as a writer left immensely inspired by his sharing of his thoughts expressed in his book, Dancing on the Head of Pen.
Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.
And once again I want to thank you – yes, YOU – for reading these words. For leaving a comment. For sending an encouraging email. For being with me at times where words wouldn’t heal. Thank you.
How will you use your words this week to make a difference in someone’s life?
As a fellow word-lover, I totally agree with you, Jean, that words DO matter! They can make or break our day and our spirit. So thankful for the life-giving words that I always find here in your space. You’re an awesome sister in Christ and I thank God for you!
We would agree about words, wouldn’t we, Lisa! Your words are kind and I mirror them back to you. Thanks for you being you in Christ to me and others
Jean,
Once again, your words are both timely and God sent. I had a conversation with Pastor on the way into the office this morning about a decision to speak or not speak. Basically, speaking will take courage, and not speaking will take patience. We prayed for wisdom and direction. I have peace in my heart now, and settled direction from God. Thank you kind friend.
Sometimes it is hard to decide – I think you talking about it with the Pastor and listening to God’s guidance shows so much wisdom – If only we would weigh our words like this all the time = words would matter even more. THE WORD matters too. should have put that in the blog post. Hope all worked out!
This week I’m meeting a young woman for coffee and my prayerful intent is to empathize with her and encourage. No doubt listening will be a big part of that–her words to ME will undoubtedly matter more than my words to HER! 🙂
prayers for your meeting. face to face listening and connecting are so vital. I am sure your presence will “speak” volumes.
Thank you so much, Jean. As it happened, there was a death in her husband’s family and we had to postpone our get-together until next week.
sorry re the death but I bet your time together next week will be even more special then. Have a great weekend, Nancy
Since we are both writers, Jean, I think we are more sensitive than most regarding the power of our words, for good or for ill. And it is so true that the hurtful words that bruise us in childhood often linger long after in our memory and long after we’ve forgiven those who hurt us. I could go on and on regarding this subject, but then it would look like I was taking over your blog. Lol!
Thanks for this reminder to use our words wisely and carefully.
Blessings!
We are word lovers. Just back from a delightful two week vacation in Florida but a bit overwhelmed by all the words lying in my inbox, and the blog posts I’ve missed and will probably never miss. don’t you love the new word – FOMO? Fear of Missing Out. yep that’s me right now. Expectation is another powerful word – my expectations are to be all caught up by now – ha, that’s funny. At least “talking” with you here tonight has made me smile and helped me gain perspective. Thanks Martha!!
When I’m away, I get overwhelmed like that, too. Take your time! 🙂
You are so kind. Yes today went better. I need to remember to give myself grace after vacation. Well all the time… LOL