Words....

Millions of words are spoken each day, and even more are tweeted, blogged, posted or written.  We email, we call, we text, we snapchat; we are more connected than any people have ever been in the history of the world.  And yet...

Sometimes it seems as if we are more disconnected, less in touch with those who really matter to us than ever.  We talk a lot, but say little.  We overshare, but rarely listen.  We tell everyone everything, but rarely look inside our own heads.

In this online environment, it is all too easy to hurt feelings, to miscommunicate, to say the wrong thing, to take something the wrong way.  Words can hurt.  Words can heal.  It all depends on how they are used.

When my children were young, I always told them it didn't really matter what you intend if the person receiving it misunderstands.  Perception is everything in relationships, and intentions mean very little when perceptions are incorrect.  That is especially true where words are concerned.  If you have failed to communicate what you really mean, then wounds can be inflicted, and division can occur.

But words can be powerful in healing and comforting, as well.  From the time we are young, when we are hurt or confused, our mother can make everything better just with her words.  As we grow up, we expand to others we love, friends and eventually spouse and children.  When we talk to loved ones about a bad day or a hard experience, their words provide relief and respite from the tribulation we have gone through.

As a wordsmith, I take words very seriously.  I understand the power they contain, and I try to use them wisely.  I endeavor to listen more and talk less, I try to think before I speak, and I work hard to ensure that my words say what I really mean so they are uplifting and positive, and not destructive or divisive.

God gave us the plan for our life journey in his Word, the Bible.  It is full of wisdom and guidance, and speaks to us even today with power and strength and direction.  When we follow his direction, we find eternal life.  There is nothing more powerful or long lasting than that.

God gave me a gift for words, and I am grateful that I can use that gift to share my faith with others.  I can't think of any better use for the powerful thing that is a word.