Power of Words

Are you aware of the power your words carry? We’re told this time and time again. Yet, all of us, from time to time, forget just how powerful our words really are.

There are many different viewpoints on this topic. They range from simple feel-good optimism to concepts like “the law of attraction”.

The Law of Attraction

The law of attraction goes a step further to encompass not only our words, but the principle that our very thoughts have the power to influence our daily lives. If you want to read more about it then you can check out this site. But, in short, per the law of attraction, “If you focus on negative doom and gloom you will remain under that cloud. If you focus on positive thoughts and have goals that you aim to achieve you will find a way to achieve them with massive action.”

That’s a sobering thought. Especially, when you consider every word you say, or every thought you think, will manifest in some way in your home, social, and/or work environments. Would that change what you think or say??? Should it??? I think that answer should be a resounding “YES”.

What Do You Say?

For the sake of simplicity, I’d like to focus in on the words we actually say, including the way we say them. Plus, we need to consider how those words indeed cause ripples to broadcast outward and impact the very atmosphere around us. Think about that. Really. Look at the picture and consider that drop is your words, and those are the ripples they’re creating in your world. Really… Think about that.

Are your words pleasant? Rushed? Passionate? Stressed? Emphatic? Bubbly? Dispassionate? Do you always sound angry? Or, do you come across as a confused air-head? What do your words communicate? And, is that the same thing you “want” to come back at you? It is a proven fact that as you raise your voice in “communicating” the reply will also be in a raised voice. Its called “escalation”. Likewise, you can maintain a calmer conversation by keeping your voice calm during a heated discussion. Its all in the power of our words and how we use them.

At some point in our lives, we have to consider the ramifications our words have. We have to face ourselves and determine if what we believe, and hope to achieve, lines up with what we actually project with our words. If not, then personal change is a must.

The Error of Our Ways

One example I can think of is within a marriage, though it can apply to any relationship. Within a marriage we can either use our words to be our spouse’s biggest cheerleader or their worst nemesis. It’s all in our actions, words, and even the tone in which we say those words.

I once heard a radio psychologist ask a complaining spouse if she would want to come home to herself. Ouch! I have to admit, my answer to that question at the time was a resounding “no”. Although a lot of people called me optimistic / positive / etc, in reality I was not a pleasant person to my spouse. I had a really bad habit of complaining and saying some very negative things to and about him. Overall, I had a very outwardly negative attitude at home. In truth, I had let myself become deceived by the view of others that most likely really didn’t know me very well. Sad, but true.

Nonetheless, that was a wake up call for me. My husband needed me to resume my place as his best friend, not strive to become his champion critic. Now I choose to focus on his positive attributes and let my words build him up instead of tear him down. Our relationship dramatically improved after that shift. Surprise! And the same can be said for every other relationship I have, simply because I have learned the power of my words.

Your Daily Choice

Bottom line, our words have consequences. Serious consequences. Think of the bullied individuals of all ages that eventually give in, give up, and take themselves out. Do not be a contributing factor that removes all hope from another human being. Just don’t.

That is a drastic example, yet incredibly valid to the point I’m making here. Until they shut down, people will respond to us in the same manner we speak to them. Our words will come to life. Therefore, we must consider the power of our words before we speak. At the least, become aware of the ripples we’ve created and redirect them if necessary.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.” ~ Proverbs 18:21 AMP (Bold emphasis added by me.)

This scripture reference is pretty clear, and proves that the power of our words is not a new concept. Ultimately, it is a primary principle to God and the universe in which we live. Don’t ever forget that.

It is said that both hope and hopelessness are contagious. Your words can spread either one with a simple phrase spoken in seconds. The affects of those words are rippling out hope or hopelessness. It your choice which you spread. Proceed with your brain engaged. Be aware. And.. Choose your words wisely.

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