The Power of Words

I'm still battling a serious bout of fatigue, but I really wanted to post about this even if it takes me all day.

The other day, someone I once worked with mentioned that they were saddened because of something horrible that was said to them. I remember this former co-worker as being a friendly, helpful, and positive person. We haven't worked together in years but stay in touch via social media. Her posts and comments are always kind and sweet.

When I read what had been said to her, my heart literally ached. The words had obviously deeply affected her. Not long after I read her post, another friend posted one of those messages meant to be copied, pasted, and shared. This is that message:

Could one friend please copy and repost? We are trying to demonstrate that someone is always listening.
💚💚💚💚💚💚💚
#SuicideAwareness
1-800-273-8255
Just one person.

I usually don't pay attention to requests to "share" a post. This time, I did because I was still thinking about the awful words said to that woman. I've also been going through a very rough cycle of my own depression these past few weeks. One of the things I often wonder about is what sets off these cycles of darkness that I and other's deal with. Mostly, for me, I think it is a symptom of my body chemistry and the disease that I have. For many people, though, I think it must be a symptom of the words and actions of others.

I hope that my former co-worker has healed from what was said to her. I wish people would realize how powerful their negative words and actions can be, even those that don't seem that important to them. Here are some quotes and verses that speak to the power of words. Think about this the next time you interact with someone. Just because you have a "tougher skin" than others, don't inflict damage. One day, you might learn in a hard and painful way, just how much power you have.

"Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate, and to humble." (Yehuda Berg)

"The tongue has no bones, but is strong enough to break a heart. So be careful with your words." (Unknown)

"A broken bone can heal, but the wound a word opens can fester forever." (Jessamyn West)

"Your words have power. Speak words that are kind, loving, positive, uplifting, encouraging, and life-giving." (Unknown)

But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:8(ESV)

Death and life are in the [a]power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21(NASB)

"We are masters of the unsaid words, but slaves of those we let slip out." (Winston Churchill)

But if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought. (George Orwell, 1984)

Words are also actions, and actions are a kind of words. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Speaking of the power of your mouth, if you want to put your thoughts and words to good use, pray for me and the other members of my support group. Pray for our strength and healing. Pray for anyone who might be struggling with something

I hope that this post was coherent and that it makes the reader think.

Peace
--Free