Oh the power of words. What we do to receive them. It astounds me how powerful words are in our lives and how much power we put into them. Most people think that may be silly to think. But I realized today how much, I know I, go through just to receive words of appreciation or a simple good job. A young child will work very hard on a project and quickly run to their parents and show off their hard work, just to hear, 'good job.' It feels so good to hear that you are doing something good, or that you are loved, or that you mean a lot to people.
And then the other side of that coin is how quickly a cross word can bring someone down. To hear that you have disappointed someone or have done something wrong. Even the tone in which someone uses can seriously harm your feelings. I don't think I ever thought about the power of words before. It's funny that something so common could be so powerful. And whats more, we give the words that power.
At first, when I think of the power of words I think of specific words and their meaning and how one simple word placed at precisely the right spot can have such a powerful influence on the effect of the statement being made; some words are very similar but each one is distinct- and the right one can make all the difference. This could be analogous of people. Many people are similar, like in a family for instance, but each one of those members is distinct and individual. The right member, given the right task or responsibility can have such an influence on, and give strength to, the family as a whole.
ReplyDeleteThought two, and more along the lines of your thoughts here, is a scripture in the Epistle of James. "The tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things." The tongue is a powerful tool for good or for ill. You hear that the pen is mightier than the sword but can't the same also be said for the tongue? perhaps even more so. (side thought, I wonder if this is why there is so much imagery in the scriptures of a sword proceeding out of the mouth.) "And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword." Words are powerful indeed, and often underestimated; in many things we offend all. So often people do not think about, or consider the affect of the words they choose. We all need that appreciation offered not only in deed but in word also. I know I do. I can do things for you all day but unless they are accompanied by words of affirmation and love I can not see them meaning nearly as much. I love you!