Sticks and stones can break your bones but words will never hurt you. The mysterious phrase that rang out in the ears of countless children in almost any city of every country in the world. The victims of all of those schoolyard bullies fighting back in hopes putting and end to all of the taunting. What they lacked in size and strength, they could possibly hope to be creative within the development of their linguistic wits.
In almost every instance, these words do not ring true according to popular belief. Words really do hurt and it may take a lifetime for those who are traumatized to make peace in their hearts to forgive those people that ostracized them. Marriages have been annulled over harmful words. Families have been torn apart. Wars have been declared between countries. The words that we say can hold weight in the balance of both our interpersonal and personal relationships that we may encounter in our lives.
Words express our thoughts. Our thoughts provoke our responses within our heart. Our responses may lead us to act. Our actions define our character. And ultimately, our character reveals our true intentions in the building and/or breakdown of defense mechanisms used mostly in stressful social gatherings. Whether they are used to protect us or to harm someone else, words carry the power of life and death in their very meaning throughout the history of time.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” (Proverbs 18:21 KJV). We all have the power to harm or to hurt within all of us. Those who choose to use words of hurt will do so with no regard to feelings or emotion. Those who choose to use words with care and love may be encouraging and/or nurturing the next President of the United States of America.
The power of words can heal the past wounds and scars of this hurting America. Don't let time go by for where those moments are missed for opportunities to support, encourage, and to share love. Don't ever think that it's going to be taken care of by someone else. The time is now and it begins with us.
The strength of words can heal our broken spirits, mend our seemingly shattered lives, and restore our family that have been torn apart. Our words have tremendous power. What are you going to use your words for today? Share the love of Jesus Christ with someone and begin the healing process.
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