A Challenge
posted August 7th, 2007 in etcThe ability to translate sounds into words and understand them, then translate those sounds and words into letters on a page is an amazing ability. The power of words and meaning of words and the effect that these have on people is an astounding thing. We like to try to seem invincible when we say “sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me”. The truth is, when you think about it, words are the very thing that form who you are, who you THINK you are, and who you’re going to be.
The difference between how a girl values herself if her dad tells her she’s special and beautiful versus when she has to hunt for love in all the wrong places – is largely due to words, or the lack thereof. If you grow up hearing that you’re special and beautiful and precious chances are, you’ll believe it. If someone tells you “you’re gonna be a lawyer when you grow up” all your life, chances are that’s what you’ll be thinking of becoming.
They say that if a lie is repeated long enough, people will begin to believe it as fact. We see this in so many instances. I think girls might have it harder, because for no apparent reason whatsoever we can believe things that are outright lies. As a girl I can say that I’ve fallen into that trap many times, most of it has to do with my self worth. I fall into the trap of thinking that my value is based on how much housework I can do; not that I am created in the image of God and He’s molding me into the woman He wants me to be.
When I find myself in that trap, the problems are blown out of proportion – because of the words I was thinking. “All you’re appreciated for is chores, you’re not special, no one even cares. You’re a horrible sinner, no one could ever love you. Look, you snap too easy, the problems are too big for you to handle, and guess what? No one even cares to ask if everything is okay.” whispers a voice in my head. For no reason at all I believe it. I get caught up in the emotions of the stressful moment and believe that I have no worth, no one loves me, could love me, or cares.
But then God steps in, and sometimes it takes me a while to come around. In the moment I need it most I re-read a letter, someone tells me something I needed to hear, or the perfect song comes on the radio (or iTunes). The timing is so impeccable that it can only be God communicating to me – in words, through people – I love you Kierstyn, you may be a sinner but I forgave that sin, remember? I love you more than the sun and the stars that I taught how to shine, you are mine and you shine for me too. I love you yesterday, and today and tomorrow I’ll say it again, I love you more. (More by Matthew West) In that moment I realize how wrong I was, I let the words and the emotions get in the way of what God was telling me.
Words can tear down, and they can build up. They can make people happy or make people cry. Words can effect people in ways that other things can’t. The Word can change people, the course of a Nation and the world as we know it. Today, words are the most powerful tool we have, what are we going to use it for?
This post was a very good reminder to me, Kierstyn. And not only must I evaluate if my words are tearing others down, but if they are actively building others up.
Your best post ever, dear, I think!
Tis truth
I tend to base a lot on ideas, but without words, you wouldn’t even have ideas, really. Or with limited words, you’d have limited ideas (1984). Words are powerful.
That is very true, I have had it happen to me several times. It is so great that we have such a loving God!
Very true. Very well written. Very good.
Right on, Kierstyn. Keep it up.
Its a very good point Miss Paulino. Words are opinions to most of us. If all those words are negative, we take it as negative opinion.
I accept your challenge, Kierstyn.
I once heard a speaker say that people are like elevators. They can bring you up, or they can take you down. Good thoughts. 
This post, Kierstyn, looks like it could have been written by me! You spoke directly to my heart—I, too, have had the perfect thing happen at the perfect time that shows that it could only be God!
It’s so true. I once heard a pastor say that it takes time, skill and pacience to build a house, but it only takes a couple minutes to tear it down. Anyone can flippantly say something hurtful that can tear someone into a million pieces, but it takes a skilled artist to slowly build someone up.
You have a very nice blog, by the way. I’ve enjoyed looking over it some this morning.
~Kelsey
This is true.
Thanks, good post!
Later,
Jordan