Words…

As a writer and speaker I use an awful lot of words.

So I have been thinking about words.

Words can be cheap. It is easy to say or write what I will or won’t do, but it is much more difficult to live it out.

Words can hurt. No matter how well-intentioned certain words cut deep.

Words can build up. Encouraging words can open up a world of endless opportunity.

Words can tear down. Ugly words cut into hope, place seeds of doubt, and shake confidence.

Words can create. God said, “Let there be…” And there was…What are my words creating?

Jesus is the Word – God made flesh.

In Biblical times folks valued words more than we do today. They sought blessings. Look at Jacob and Esau or Joseph as his father blessed his boys. Curses were an important part of life in the old testament times as well. Look at Balak and Balaam in Numbers 22-24.

Yet I use words without thinking. I buy the lie that “sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” My tongue becomes a wrecking ball tearing down and destroying all those within ear-shot. My words create cavities in the hearts of my kids. Places where doubt and judgement collect. My words undermine my husband’s confidence or drive wedges between friends.

Florence Littauer likens our encouraging words to silver boxes with bows on top. Gifts we give the hearer. Wouldn’t it be great if all our words were like silver boxes?

Here is a little experiment – if you will join me. For one week let’s give-up or negative talk whether it is self-talk, gossip, or sarcasm. Instead let’s catch those negative words and replace them with encouraging words – silver boxes. I’ll check back in with you next week to hear how it went. I can’t wait to see how God will use our silver boxes.