The Power of Words: Harnessing Their Impact for Good
For all the talking we do, we should take time to consider what kind of words we are speaking out into the world. Unfortunately, our mouths don’t naturally drift into giving grace and building others up.
The Power of Words: When I was a kid, I loved to have a bunch of friends around and we would play baseball in the large lot behind our house or we might play basketball on the court at the elementary school in the neighborhood. Back in these ancient days (said with a wink), we actually had recess at school and we would go outside and break up the monotony of the classroom and play outside. When kids get together it is almost inevitable that something will happen that will upset someone and that typically revolves around someone being called a name. The saying that you would hear would be something like this, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” That was said in order to show that people cannot be hurt by unpleasant things that are said to them. As I write this, that sounds so ridiculous. That sounds as if what parents told their kids was an absolute lie. You can beat me up with a bat or a rock but say whatever you want, because words can not hurt me. I lived with that being said to me and me repeating to my friends.
Words are the bridge between thoughts and actions, often carrying much more weight than we realize. They have the power to inspire and motivate, yet they can also wound and destroy. As social beings, our words are the tools we use to interact with the world around us, influencing our relationships, careers, and personal well-being. Understanding the dual nature of words can help us use them responsibly.
The old adage "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" is a childhood retort that suggests physical harm is real, while words are inconsequential. However, as we navigate through life's complexities, we come to understand that words carry an immense power to affect us deeply. While they don't leave visible scars, the emotional and psychological impact can be lasting. Given this understanding, it's crucial that we use our words to edify and empower.
Here are five steps to ensure our words are a constructive force in our lives and the lives of others.
Step 1: Pause and Reflect
Before we speak, let's pause. This brief moment allows us to consider the weight of our words. Despite the childhood saying, we know that words can hurt, sometimes even more enduringly than sticks and stones. Reflecting on what we're about to say can preclude unintended harm.
Step 2: Understand Intentions
Our intentions are the compass for our words. By being clear about what we hope to achieve with our speech, we ensure our words align with our true desires.
“If the intention is anything but kind, reconsider if it's worth saying at all”
Step 3: Cultivate Empathy
Putting ourselves in another's shoes dismantles the old mindset that words can't hurt. With empathy at the forefront, we recognize the real and tangible effect our words can have. Speak as though every word were felt personally.
Step 4: Engage in Active Listening
The strength of our words is not only in their delivery but also in their reception. By actively listening, we show that we value others' words as much as we'd like our own to be valued. This mutual respect diffuses the notion that words are harmless missiles we can launch without consequence.
Step 5: Apologize When Necessary
Eradicating the fallacy that words cannot wound, we must be ready to heal the cuts we inadvertently cause. A genuine apology acknowledges the sting of our words and expresses our commitment to mend the hurt and move forward constructively.
In consciously applying these five steps to our daily interactions, we overpower the outdated ideology that words are harmless. Embracing the true power of words, we can build connections, inspire change, and create an environment where everyone feels respected and valued. Let's retire the old saying and acknowledge the profound influence our words have on the world around us.
Expect to Wiin!
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/why-god-made-your-mouth#:~:text=The%20average%20person%20speaks%20at,sending%20out%20into%20the%20world.