Words

I have learned much this last week about the power of words. The power they have to harm and the power they have to heal. In the book of Proverbs it says death and life are in the power of the tongue. The 3rd chapter of James tells us that just as a great ship is turned by a very small helm, the tongue also is a small member with great power for good or evil. I remember growing up and saying that rhyme about sticks and stones breaking bones but words will never hurt me. That's a great affirmation, but I think I would rather have sticks and stones than harmful words used against me that cause fear and uncertainty in my heart. On the other hand, the words of friends and family have been so powerfully comforting to me more than anything they could have given me. As words have crushed me, kind words have built me up and strengthened me. I repent of the harmful words that I have spoken to and about others, and I promise to start fresh with a resolve to speak kind words and build love and confidence in everyone my life touches.