I am enchanted by words.  I always have been.  Words allow us to express our innermost thoughts in written and oral form.   They are bountiful and can be captivating, refreshing and motivating and without them we would feel frustrated when trying to make a point.

Words can nurture or destroy, hurt or heal, soothe or stab, wound or caress, tear down or buildup and curse or praise.  They can spew forth venom or honey, love or hate, admiration or disgust, lies or truth.

We forget their magnificent power and influence.  I’ve been contemplating that power this week, keeping my eyes open for illustrations and proofs of that power.  We truly wield a mighty weapon or a gentle touch depending on our use of them.  Words last….once spoken they aren’t easily forgotten.

Sadly, I watched stricken faces, fear, tears of hurt, heads hung low and shoulders slumped due to mere utterances.

Thankfully, I’ve also encountered smiles brimming up from deep inside a happy heart, having felt the love and encouragement behind a simple phrase.

The other thing I’ve reflected on is how our words present us to the world.  We say a lot about ourselves, our personality and our beliefs by our actions, but our words have a great impact as well.  As the bible says, our words come from deep inside and reveal much about us.

When my granddaughter was younger and would try to express her frustrations, wants and needs with grunts, shrieks and screams, my daughter would remind her, “Use your words”.

I’m going to steal that phrase and add one more important word to it.

Use your words WISELY.  You will be remembered by them.