The Power of Words

Words.  They surround us: in the air, in print, on our computer screens.  They hold our minds captive and evoke intense emotions.  You can't go anywhere without words as a companion.  They are one of the most powerful tools humans have at our disposal.  We use them to convey feelings and ideas, hurts and hilarity.  They are simple tools that are complex and powerful when strung together.

I recently read an article that came to me via MSNBC's RSS news feed: From Homeless Drug User to Millionaire. (Here's the link to the story,
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/FromHomelessDrugUserToMillionaire.aspx)
The paradox of those words peaked my interest enough that I took the bait and clicked the link.  The story itself was nothing amazing.  It was written simply, but there were two sentences that reminded me of the power of our words: "I had been told all my life that I was worthless and would never amount to anything."  And, "While I was in the hospital I read the Bible and became a Christian."

That first quote from the article reminded me of what a difference a parent can make in a child's life.  I was blessed to have parents that always boosted me up rather than tear me down with their words.  I was encouraged to try for everything.  If I failed, I was not ridiculed or laughed at.  They always said "You'll get it next time."  I think their words of affirmation contributed a lot to how I feel about myself today.  They started those encouraging words when I was young and continued to offer them as I grew up.  It was a great foundation for what would turn into a confident and competent young woman.  I am blessed to have started out that way.  Many kids don't get that.  They have parents or guardians that belittle them and tell them they aren't worth anything, like Bob Williamson.  Parents, take some time to tell your kids what they've done right lately.  Don't continually chastise and harp on them.  Praise goes a long way to encouraging a good mental attitude.

The second quote was a great reminder of how life-changing the Bible is.  It truly is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12).  Maybe someone sat down and talked with this guy, explained the ins and outs of the Bible.  It doesn't sound like it.  It sounds like he picked it up, read it and came to the conclusion that he would be better off following the path of Christ.  To me, that is amazing.  I had people along the way that talked to me and explained things.  I didn't have to figure it out on my own.  I LOVE the fact that words written thousands of years ago can still impact people and draw them in for a life-altering event.  Its incredible!  And it gets better.  People all over the world get to experience it in their own language thanks to dedicated, loving, selfless individuals that devote literally their whole lives to bringing a nation or tribe the Bible in their native tongue.  Check out this site, http://www.wycliffe.org/, for a group of people dedicated to the power of words.

Words.  Their power isn't limited to one language.  They influence people's feelings about themselves.  They change people's lives.  Go out and spread positive thoughts today.  Make someone's day a bit brighter.