The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Your words are worthy gifts to others
A while ago, I was asked to speak to a group of people who wanted me to share with them the power of our words. So I began my talk with these examples:
• An admired and wellliked business man who has a myriad of friends said, “I am always careful to stop and taste my words before I let them pass from out of my mouth.” Accordingly, he never blurts out hasty words without ever stopping to think first.
• A dear Mother stated, “I try never to talk bad about anyone. And as my grandmother used to say, ‘If you can’t say something nice about something or someone, don’t say anything at all.’”
• A little girl, when asked to describe what love means to her replied, “When someone loves you, the way they say your name is special. You know that your name is safe in their mouth.”
In a flash of certainty, I smiled and told the group, “That child’s view of the words that we speak seems to say it all,” and “When someone loves you, you know that your name is safe in their mouth.”
What about your words? Do your words help others or hinder them? And what are you saying over your circumstances? The wisdom of the Bible reminds us, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers…. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.” (Ephesians 4)
Always speak words that mend, heal, and give life to others. When we speak unkind words about someone, we not only wound them, but we wound ourselves as well. When time passes and tempers cool, the pain of thoughtless words and tones still lingers.
As children of God, we are commanded to be, “Kind to one another, tenderhearted...” Therefore, bless and nourish others with gentle words of inspiration. Words have real power. Words create. Like an indelible ink marker, words can leave a lasting impression. So speak from a place of love. Speak hopeful, encouraging, thoughtful words. Leave people better off than they were before seeing you. We can do so much good through our positive conversations. Sometimes, that affirmative expression of reassurance or praise to another is all that is needed for them to continue to persevere and fulfill a seemingly tough task. The sincere words of caring individuals enthuse and motivate us to do great things. Sincere words keep us on track when the going appears slow. Your words are worthy gifts to others.
Last month, my daughters and a few of my friends and I went to a ‘paint night’ fundraiser at a local fine art gallery. Each person was given a blank white canvas and colorful paint colors and brushes, and we were to paint a beautiful sunset. We all got creative and discovered our inner artist! Likewise, our words are the paint with which we paint our reality. Thus, pick the very best words you can.
It’s been said, “What you say… goes.” Pessimistic speech can deprive you of the ability to create the wonderful, peaceful, abundant life that you want to live. Negative words can attract more negativity. Complaining may cause further problems. Try this approach: If you catch yourself about to say something unconstructive or if you are going to complain, stop for a moment. Then, reframe your word choices to a more positive speech. Maintain an attitude of thankfulness, patience and faith, and surely God will bless your good, hopeful words.
Years back, I heard a fictional story once about a woman who had a dream. That evening, in her dream, an angel escorted her to an extravagant party; and when the woman walked into the room, she noticed that it was filled with presents. To the right and to the left, there were unopened gifts everywhere. When the woman looked closer, she saw that her name was printed on the gift tags.
Curiously, the woman asked the angel, “Why are there so many unwrapped presents with my name on them?” The angel gently replied, “Let’s open them and find out.”
First, they unwrapped the present to their right. Inside there was ‘a great idea’ that would have more than replaced the job the woman had, years before, lost. “But,” the angel uttered to the woman, “You held on to negative thoughts, and said that ‘nothing good would ever happen to you again.’ You gave up and settled for the status quo.”
Wide-eyed, the woman was shocked, as they opened the next gift. Within, was ‘a wonderful, new relationship.’ “However,” the angel explained, “Because someone betrayed you long ago, you became so bitter that you said you were ‘never going to trust anyone,’ and then you stopped expecting great things for your future.” Next, they hurried to open another present, and it contained ‘a golden opportunity.’ “Yet,” the angel described, “Due to past setbacks, you said it was, ‘too late’ and you were ‘not good or talented enough’ to pursue and accomplish new dreams.”
Tears rolled down the woman’s face. For in her dream, her life reflected her words. She spoke discouragement, doubt, and fear, and she missed out on forthcoming joys, blessings and opportunities, which were symbolized as the presents.
I know that many of you are facing challenges in your life. But you are not alone. So allow me to encourage you:
• If you need strength, say, “I am going to stay strong.”
• If you need a breakthrough, say, “Good things are coming my way.”
• If you are in need of healing, say, “I am in the process of becoming healthier.”
• If you need peace, say, “God has given me His peace.”
• If you’re in need of a fresh start, say, “Situations will fall into place, as God’s mercy is new every morning.”
Regardless of what’s going on around you today, speak faith, love, hope, success, and kindness. Talk about God’s unshakable love and the victory that He has in store for you. And hold a vision in your mind of good things coming to pass. God’s hand is on you, so get ready for the blessings to come in this new year.