Words. Words are everywhere. On billboards. In magazines and newspapers and books. Scrolling across the screen on the television. They fly around in your head, developing thoughts and ideas. When you wish to communicate with someone, you use words to form sentences, paragraphs even. It is an understatement to say that words are important. They are what makes the world turn. Words are one of the most effective ways to communicate with each other. Without them, life would be so much more difficult.
As a writer, words are a very big part of my life. I find myself always thinking of what I want to communicate to people through my words. What is the most effective way that I can use my words to get my point across? How can I best phrase something that will make sense to my audience? This is one of the biggest challenges, I find: how to tame words to make them do what you want them to do. But I love it. I feel that I would shrivel up without being able to express myself in words—although I’m better on paper than speaking.
What is most fascinating about words is that there is such power to them. Words can be small and empty, but at their strongest words are cutting and cruel. They come in all shapes and sizes - different languages, different meanings to different cultures. There are even different alphabets and symbols. It really is amazing what you can do with words. They are such basic tools, but also such important ones! Because of the power of words, it is imperative that we use them wisely. The phrase, “Think before you speak” comes to mind. Your words are important and communicate your thoughts. Think through what you want to say before you speak, and you might avoid hurt feelings or a misunderstanding.
I think that words are something that we take for granted. We have so many words in our English language, many that we don’t use in our every day conversation. I think we forget how much our words can impact others. We forget that words, once they are spoken, are remembered in others’ thoughts. Words of love and encouragement are precious. Words that are spoken in spite or malice can leave scars. Either way, these words are etched in our memories. Once they are spoken they can’t be erased.
What are some memorable words that a loved one spoke to you? Can you remember those words clearly? I’ll never forget the time when I was about eight years old and I was lying in my bed trying to fall asleep. I heard God tell me as clearly as if he were next to me, “Don’t be afraid.” I’ll never forget the devastating words from a good friend: “You don’t matter. You’re not worth my time.” I’ll never forget my mother telling me, “I love hanging around you. You’re not just my daughter, you are my friend too.” All of these words are in my heart and in my memory. All have the power to encourage and warm me or bring me to despair and hurt. Be careful with your words. You never know what kind of impact they will have upon the world.
