A friend of mine just posted the other day about how words matter. So sooo soooo true! I love words! I love to create with words….poetry, stories, etc. The cool thing about words is how they have power…they can bring sadness, they can bring joy, they can bring hatred, etc etc. When I think of the power of words, I cant help but think of the kids saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” The truth is words CAN and DO hurt!!! I recently just finished reading Jodi Picoult’s book “Nineteen Minutes.” The book encompasses how words can affect us. I wont say more than that because I dont want to give away the end or the plot line of the book.

Words have a way of surprising us in unexpected ways. They do have power. I think of one of my first classes in seminary. I was in a small group and finally got up the courage to speak in class. One of my new classmates immediately shot me down and after that I wouldnt speak in class. I did finally get to a point where I felt comfortable but I will never forget the power of those words. (The ironic thing is that this person became one of my dearest friends and she did apologize). I am also reminded of the words of one of my seminary professors who reminded me that it was so much easier for me to walk out the door, shut the door and never look back. It took more courage for me to stick with it. Those words have had a profound impact on my life. They helped me realize that I could do anything I set my mind. Two situations….two different sets of words….two different ways words impacted my life.

What is it about words? Why do we feel the need to say mean things? Why don’t we realize why words are so important? How have words impacted you and your life?