Words
By: Janine Carrero
Every day we tell ourselves -and others- things that will determine our attitude. These things drive the decisions and actions that lead to outcomes we may or may not welcome in our lives. Most recently we have seen it play out on television, but no one is exempt. It plays out daily on social media, at work, at school, in our homes, and in private.
Words are defined as a single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing, used with others (or sometimes alone) to form a sentence. Experience has proven that words mean so much more. Like actions, words have the power to inspire and extinguish. Whether we are famous or not yet known, words have an impact on us. It does not matter where we are in our level up; be it above and beyond successful, emerging, in the struggle, or just starting out. The depths of words can stunt our growth, elevate our story, and everything in between.
Words have cut deep, opened wounds, and taken people back to places thought never to be seen again. Earthquake moments like these leave us vulnerable to looking at ourselves distorted in all the shattered glass on the ground around us. With each broken piece we pick up, we choose to label ourselves according to what others have said or how we see ourselves. “Ugly.” “Broken.” “Unworthy.” “Useless.” “Loser.” “Damaged.” The enemy’s lies. Whether we pulled the sharp tongue out on ourselves or towards others the aftershock of regret is certain to come. Regrets around what we could have said or done to demonstrate our identity in Christ… under any circumstance.
Praise God!... there is another narrative. Words can revive a dying spirit, be the kindness of Jesus, give birth to purpose, and strengthen our confidence on the journey to becoming the best version of ourselves. Looking into and holding up God’s unbreakable mirror of truth is a beautiful gift of necessity. Seeing ourselves as God sees us is the only way we can truly heal, personally and together with our family in Christ. Are you ready to give this gift to yourself and the world when choosing your words in the everyday occasion of life?
It is a choice.
“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.” Proverbs 18:21 – The Message
When I read this scripture for the first time it knocked the wind out of me. I was immediately convicted of not always choosing fruitful words when I am angry. A case file of regrettable images assumed space in my head and weighed heavy on my heart. I was deeply saddened by the realization that for decades I have been slowly killing myself -and others- with the poisonous words I chose in those moments. Having lived with wounds and scars from accepting words thrown at me in battle as truth, I am devastated that I too have caused others that kind of pain. Devastation, in the same way, is the potential pain caused by my lack of words. Too busy to notice the person God put in my path with an urgent need to receive life-giving words.
I want my words to inspire the decisions and actions needed to have a life-giving purpose. As such, I have been challenging myself to choose fruit every time I speak. I am made in His image and try but sometimes I fall. His grace allows me to get back on my feet and His mercy welcomes me back on the path with Him. But if I am being honest until I completely submit to the will of God I will continue to fall. Therefore, we must connect with our Creator every single day for guidance…accepting His daily invitation to spend time with Him in prayer and meditating on His word.
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.” James 4:1-2 – NIV
Father…At a time when even innocent children are being killed in Ukraine, never has it been more important for us to stop using our words to kill as well. Yet right now we are at war with ourselves and others every day. Help us to stay focused on Your will and not the things of this world. Help us never again hold back our need to cry out to You and ask for help at the moment to safeguard ourselves and others from the venom of the enemy. Help us to give life with our words in every interaction with our brothers and sisters in Christ, using words that extinguish only when directed at the devil, in resistance so that he will flee.
I used to look in the mirror and fixate on my imperfections but now I know that I am beautifully made in the image of God. What words will you choose to tell yourself when you look in the mirror?
I used to refer to myself as a victim in my story but now I have cast myself in a new role as the victor. What words will you choose to tell yourself about the story you are living?
In times of anxiety and stress, I used to focus only on my weaknesses, now I remind myself that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. What words will you choose to tell yourself when anxiety and stress are flowing in your veins?
After witnessing my husband struggle with his worth the night before, I taped a note to his side of the bathroom mirror so that he could embrace the new day confident in the gift that he is to those who know and love him. What words will you choose to tell others when they are at odds with themselves?
An argument was on the horizon and instead of getting in the ring, I respectfully asked for my would-be opponent’s hands and began to pray for us. What words will you choose to tell others when they are at odds with us?
For some, the choice to choose fruit every time will be easy. For others, in addition to leaning on God for strength, it will take some inner work. A mindset shift may be needed. We may need to release binding agreements that do not serve us. We may need to challenge some limiting beliefs. Whatever the need, honoring God with our commitment to sharing the gift of life-giving words is a blessing for all involved.
The beating heart of change is a choice. We choose to change careers, homes, cars, clothes, and more. Are you ready to choose to change the way we use our words?