Words are such an intricate part of our lives that it's hard to imagine not having them. And here's an example of the truth of what I just said: That first sentence you just read caused words and their meanings to form in your mind.
But before we dive into our brains for a bit, let's think out loud.
A Google search shows that we speak at least 7,000 words in a day, and for some, double that or more.
Verbal communication, especially real, live, in person talks, have become a lost art with the advances of social technology over the years. It is possible to communicate so conveniently in a variety of other ways, and it's easy to lose sight of just how important personal conversation is. When it's conversation that shows care for another, it's a significant part of positive human connection; working in tandem with physical touch and body language to create vital community. "No man is an island" is true. We were not created to stay away from others. We got an unplanned lesson about this during all the Covid restrictions that caused forced isolation.
But even before we speak, the words begin in our brains. Yes, words are constantly flying around in our minds as they form many, many thoughts. According to Google, the average person has about 60,000 thoughts a day. Wow.
Words begin in our minds before we do anything with them. Our minds create and consider words that become thoughts to help us make sense of the world around us or to pass on to others as we communicate with them.
But now, let's flip that around.
We also receive words. We receive words spoken aloud to us. We receive words in written form; via text, email, or a variety of other formats. The reception room in our brains holds great power over our lives because how we choose to receive what we hear or read greatly impacts how we live. We take in words from others and then determine the meaning behind them - what we surmise that the other person is trying to communicate. Then we decide whether or not to believe them - whether or not to "take them to heart". If we do, these words and the thoughts behind them have the power to provide information that drives our decisions. How we choose to respond to words we receive can place us on a wide variety of different paths in our life journeys.
When we choose to fully embrace kind, loving, compassionate words that build us up, this experience can instill confidence, strength, and affirmation that we are valuable. Knowing and living out the fact that we are valuable is a game changer. A life changing truth.
But on the other hand, if we are recipients of harsh words, even if we know they are not true and we should reject them, the experience is still painful. That pain can distort a healthy mindset. These words can take up residence in our minds before we realize what is happening. They can get stuck on replay so that we experience their negative effects over and over. Harsh words can also be life changing, but in devastating ways.
So how can we guard against falling victim to the negativity and pain of harsh words when they wound us?
We can utilize other words.
We can read, seek, pray, and take other words in deep. We can hold them close. We can let our thirst be quenched with them. We can fill up on them and be nourished by them. Nurtured by them. Strengthened by them. Reminded by them of who we are, who we are not, and how beautiful that is.
Other words... steeped in truth. Gospel truth from God's Word. Other words from the greatest story ever told that is a true story; a love letter to us. Words of freedom from shame and defeat. Words of unfathomable grace and mercy.
Other words... of love. The love of Jesus, and the love of others. Words graciously given to us in our time of need by members of the vital community we take part in. We receive these words gratefully. Words of reassurance. Words of hope. Words of encouragment.
Other words... of life. We can choose to hold fast to life giving words and allow them to replace words that are life taking.
Other words... passed on with care. We can also choose our words carefully when we communicate with others God has placed in our lives. We can stop and consider how what we say or send could impact the other person. Will they be built up? Encouraged? Strengthened?
Other words... to to those in need. And just as we have received loving and uplifting words when we needed them the most, we can be the ones using these words to shine a light to others in their seasons of darkness.
Words are so very powerful. We should respect their power and use and receive them wisely.
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