The Power from Words

"Handle them carefully, for words have more power than atom bombs." - Pearl Strachan

“Hello?.....”my friend wondered why I grew quiet on the other end of the line.

I was trying to tell her how there were many bees active during the day coming from one of the neighbor’s overgrown bushes. It made me wary on days that I tried to mow our front lawn, avoiding any unwanted sting from any direction.

Her analytical response made me seal my mouth. For some reason, her response stung my heart and it hurt more than a bee sting…

“Well, you don’t know…maybe they don’t have the money to pay for someone to trim those bushes. You just don’t know what goes on in someone’s life…”

Her response was only truthful and it was not the reason why those words pierced my heart. It was my own reflection of how I said my own words that hurt me. I surely did not want to sound like I was an insensitive neighbor who didn’t care for what could have been going on in someone’s life. I never saw the wife after I spoke with her during one of our early morning encounters. She was so excited about her retirement and few days later, I never saw her again. Until I was cleaning in the front yard, gathering some wind-blown dry leaves and her husband was walking their dog.

“How’s D? Please tell her I say ‘hello’.”

“She couldn’t go out as much anymore,” he responded with a slight sadness but with an acceptance kind of tone with what transpired.

“She was diagnosed with ‘Fatigue Syndrome’ and it just took a lot of her strength to do anything.”

“I’ll be praying for her and please, if you need help, do not hesitate to ask us,” I offered.

“Oh, we’re okay. Sometimes, life takes a turn…”he added, evading the offer.

And pray for her and him I did. Lifting them up to the One Who knew it all and Who could do impossible things.



“Hello?...”

“Well…have a good night. Please try to get some sleep. I love you…” I finally uttered to my friend.

“Okay…Thanks for calling. Have a good night!” My heart started to feel better at that point.

My mind never stopped reflecting about how careful I must be to only let good words come out but always speak of things that have values…Words do have power and can either heal or hurt. But the change must come first from its source…The “heart”…


“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” – Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)

8 comments:

  1. This post brought tears to my eyes. Sometimes, or even oftentimes, it is what we say that determines what the other person will say next. We create the environment for the words that people speak to us.

    Blessing begets blessing...

    The video was so touching.

    Thanks for being in my world, dearest Rosel. You always bring a different perspective to it, just the same way the woman changed the words on that blind beggar's placard...

    Much love
    Lidia

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  2. Such a good message. Words so important and a lesson I always have to take seriously. Thank you for your wonderful comment!

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  3. Wow! I so loved that video! Thanks for sharing such a visual of the importance of framing our words in a way that engages positive feedback. Powerful!

    Blessings for the upcoming weekend

    Patrina <")>><

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  4. Our words can bring life or death. Thanks for sharing this powerful message.

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  5. Sister, I wish I had a rewind button to "undo" some of the stuff I have said.

    I haven't had a chance to visit in FOREVER. Just coming over since our corn maze was rained out tonight.

    Bless you!
    Beth

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  6. I agree with what Beth said. Sometimes I need a rewind/undo button. :)

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  7. Great analogy. My rewind button has been replaced many times. As I wore it out. So much truth in what you share here Rosel. Hugs to you dear one.

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"Faith is taking the first step even if you don't see the whole staircase..."
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

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