The Power of Words – Wielding Words with Care

The power of words is one of the most powerful forces on Earth. We throw them around without thinking and we receive them without consideration.

I ran into words one day like a brick wall in the dark. I didn’t see them coming and had no way of knowing they were there. The words he spoke caught me off guard and I gave them control – of my mind, of my heart, and of my day. I look back and believe that his intentions were not to crush my joy, but words once released often create their own path.

I quit.

I quit trying. I quit searching. I quit moving and just settled into the darkness that the words brought with them. I stopped all of the things that I had been doing and I just gave into the words that he spoke. I rolled around in the negatives that those words gave life to and I lost myself in the despair that grew up around them.

“Forget about it.” It was not the exact phrase that my friend used when I told her about the encounter, but it was the idea that was repeated by her and by others that I trust and consider part of my Ally Army. They are my encouragers and my foundation support. I heard their words and their words helped because I trusted their words.

But I had already given place to his words and they continued to swirl around in my head – somehow managing to dodge all of the positive and encouraging efforts made by my Army.

Little hurts (at least for me) as much as a words of discouragement from a source that I admire or trust. I let the day dissipate away sucked free of possibility because of the haunting words he offered me.

It took some time, but I managed to reign in the words – although I still catch a glimpse of their shadows now and then. I am combating the negative with more encouragement from my Army and adding to that ammunition with the words of encouragers past (from my file folder of hope and my wall of inspiration). The more positive I put into my mind the harder it will be for discouragement to hold its ground.

The power of dark words was great and crushing for me – a rainbows and lollipops default personality. Be aware that if it is not good, positive, uplifting, and completely honest (without an ulterior motive) then LET IT GO. It is not worth the damage it will cause. If in doubt then LET IT GO. It is better to be safe than to leave someone sorry.

I know from experience that light and hope will break me free from even the shadow of those words. I also know that if I keep feeding the Light then the words the world throws at me will not gain a foothold. But for me, and for all those that you encounter, please take a moment to watch your words.

Be blessed,

Words have power. How do you wield your words or what lessons have taught you that despite the childhood rhyme, words can hurt? Take a moment and share your thoughts in the comments below and remember to sign up regular updates to this site in the link to the right.