Words are both building blocks and wrecking balls. They can bless. They can curse. They are extremely powerful containers of potent material. They create realities on purpose, or quite by accident.
I’ve had experiences, quite recently, of being the recipient of words that were pleasant and draped with honor, and those at the other end of the spectrum, vile and hurtful. Why is it hard to shake off bitter words and difficult to accept praise? “Be quick to listen, and slow to speak.” I have noted that what people say about you is an indicator about their perception of themselves. Often chronic complainers are in reality, frustrated with themselves. Those who are quick to compliment find a lot to celebrate from the inside, out.
We live in a society drowning in negative words. We are bombarded by adverse reports. This has all been exacerbated, in my opinion, by all our technology. Americans are not patient people culturally. How can we push against the grain? We can choose our words with care. We have sole ownership of what we release from our mouths. Let’s be honest, thoughts cross our minds without permission. However, we dissect which thoughts to ponder, and which ones to disregard. We traverse one step further, when we choose to “birth” thoughts as verbal communication.
The paradigm can be shifted. See something positive, say something positive. Do you know how long it takes to put a spring in someone’s step? About 4 seconds. Just say, “You make the world a better place each and every day.” It is truly staggering to figure out how many excellent things you can say to other people. Another suggestion, say nice things behind peoples’ backs. Brag about them and lift them up. Notice their particular talent and tell someone that might not be privy to that information. The next time you are with that person you can say, “We were saying nice things behind your back. Do you want to know what we said?”
Another easy way to utilize words for blessings, stop criticizing. Finding grievances is almost as easy as breathing. There is no perfection this side of heaven. Hey, this is why Calvary is such a big deal. That means every place you go there are real issues and people with weaknesses. When you feel the need to whine a little, why don’t you consider what is going right? Make a quick mental list about the favorable circumstances in the environment. Expend energy there. Voice a positive observation, and you are actually putting life into the atmosphere.
We are in need of a public reworking in how we use our words. We can choose words carefully. We can create positive momentum to uplift and heal. The realities we create just might bless our friends, neighbors, strangers and our own children and grandchildren, and maybe even ourselves.
Broken but Beautiful 