Your words can become your reality
In one of my earlier books, A New You, Words to Soothe the Mind, Body and Spirit, I wrote about a story that I once heard about a young boy who had a bad temper and who always had negative things to say. To try to teach his son a life-changing lesson, the boy’s father led him outside to their backyard. There, the family had a white-picket fence.
The father handed his son a hammer and a bag of nails.
And lovingly, the father instructed, “Every time you lose your temper and utter negative words, hammer a nail into the fence.” Intrigued, the boy replied in a little voice, “Ok, dad.”
During the weeks that followed, the boy began to learn to control his temper. And the number of times he hammered nails into the fence dwindled down.
Soon, the boy didn’t lose his temper at all and began to speak positively about circumstances. The father breathed a sigh of relief.
However, there was more to learn. “Next,” explained the father to his son, “for each day you are able to control your anger and negative speech, pull one nail out of the fence.”
With a shoulder shrug, the boy was curious, as to why his father wanted him to complete this task. But the boy did as the father requested.
After about a month, the boy finally told his father, “All the nails are out of the fence.” So the father and son walked to the backyard. Together, they looked at the fence. Then, the wise father smiled at his son and declared, “You have done well. Yet, look at the holes in the fence; it will never be the same.”
Pointing to the fence, the father continued, “When you say things in anger, they will leave a scar just like these holes.”
Time seemed to stand still, as the boy became aware that negative words once spoken, can never really be taken back. And with a nod of understanding, he realized the immeasurable importance of our words.
Did you ever stop for a moment and really think about the words you speak? How often do you say something, positive or negative, not even realizing the great significance of your words?
In the Bible, the Apostle Paul told Timothy that ‘words of faith’ nourish, but idle words starve the spirit and make it weak. (2 Timothy 4:6-7) The words you express can influence how you feel and act, as well as allow you to alter conditions in one way or the other. What comes out of your mouth, can determine your outlook and direction in life.
One time, a group of high school students were talking amongst themselves in class about the power of words. So, they set up three questions to ask themselves before they spoke. These questions would serve as a standard to determine if something should be said or not.
The questions were:
“Is what I am about to say true?” “Is what I am about to say kind?” “Is what I am about to say helpful?”
I wonder what would happen, if we always used our words to bless ours and other people’s future. Many years ago, I was in a photo shop picking up some pictures and feeling pretty glum. It seemed as though I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. My mind was filled with doubts, as I struggled with losses, past hurts, mounting bills and a future filled with uncertainty. I needed a miracle. Then, while I was awaiting my turn in line, I noticed the man behind the counter write a few words on a pink sticky note. The man’s name was David, and I had seen him only a few times before. To my surprise, David turned and handed the note to me.
A bit startled, I took the sticky note from him and smiled. And then I read the words he had written on the small piece of paper. It read, “You are wonderful and are worth every good thing that happens to you.” I looked up at him, my eyes welled with tears, and I managed to say, “Thank you.”
I can’t begin to describe what those words meant to me during that dark and challenging time, and what those words still mean to me today. Through the years that followed, I clung to that note. Reading and re-reading it, my spirit was lifted, my God-inspired strength and confidence renewed. With faith in God, I cleared my mind of the negative clutter. I let go the unfair situations and pains of the past and reached for my dreams, allowing those words to become a beacon of light leading me on a path to a new beginning.
Maybe you think those kind words you say or an encouraging letter you may write seem insignificant. But, to someone else, those caring words can be life changing.
Today, I still carry that pale pink note with me in my Day Timer. The words written are now quite faded. Yet, from time to time, I gaze at that note and remember with thankfulness the dear man, David, who penned the kind words to me.
No matter where you are in life, speak positivity into your future and into the lives of others. God is counting on you. Hence, be a blessing to those with whom you have contact and use your words as an instrument of God’s love and grace. Look for the good in people. Express your affection and thankfulness. Give sincere compliments freely. And convey loving, encouraging messages to others on a regular basis. Your words hold a miracle. When you speak optimistic words of faith, God will provide provision at just the right time, in just the right way. For no apparent reason, a person will step in and help you. Past wrongs will turn out right. And your situation will take an unexpected, yet positive, turn.
God has an extraordinary future in store for you. You are going to accomplish great things. Your words can become your reality. So, continually speak words of victory and boldly go forth. Change your world, by changing your words.
Catherine Galasso-Vigorito’s nationally syndicated weekly column, “A New You,” has endeared her to readers across the country for over 15 years. In addition, Catherine is featured on television and radio where she inspires viewers and listeners by offering inspirational commentary, home decorating and entertaining ideas, plus DIY segments. She is the bestselling author of three books: A New You, God Will Do the Rest, and The Open Window. As a designer, her gift lines have been featured on QVC and she is a former Miss Connecticut USA.