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| The Power of Well Chosen Words |
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This afternoon I had the unfortunate task of disciplining my seven year old grandson over a name calling incident.
In the process of explaining the importance of selecting the right words, it occurred to me that as adults we often overlook the most gratifying use of language. Words like gracious, noble, honorable, trustworthy seem seldom used these days in our everyday conversations but what great character building words they are.
Do we use our words to tell our friends they inspire us using adjectives like these? Definitive words help us to rise, don’t they? All too often those kinds of words fall out of use in our daily vocabulary. More often our sentences are rushed, and simple—skimming over the surface with out making so much as a ripple in the listener’s soul. Sometimes they are brutal and caustic.
God gave us the gift of language to express something extraordinary. Well chosen words launched intentionally from one heart to another establish bonds, create character, soothe, heal, edify, build, and bring comfort. The greatest power of any individual is contained in the words they choose.
I quickly found that the concept of selective expression is one not easily grasped at the age of seven.
I attempted to clarify for my grandson that calling his sister a monkey face wasn’t nearly as effective as gently exposing how he feels about her using carefully selected words. To test my theory, he turned to his eight year old sister and calmly said “I don’t like you at all and if Grandma wasn’t here I’d hit your monkey face.” Upon hearing his statement, his sister stuck out her tongue and replied, “You’re ugly!” Exasperated, I resorted to the method my grandmother used to teach us the power of well chosen words—a bar of soap to the lips is a memorable teacher.
We still have some work to do to eliminate the biting verbiage of sibling rivalry. As for myself—I’m glad to have had this moment of reflection today. What I tried to teach a seven year old, is a lesson I need to value more.
Today, I want to choose my words purposefully. I want to pull them from a deeper place in my heart and send them on a mission. I want them to land with sudden impact and transform into something more beautiful. I want to create portraits for my friends with syllables they will remember. Language is to be lavishly exploited when it is harnessed to well chosen words and left to fall silent until they are intentionally mined, polished and set free as the gift God intended them to be.
'May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Oh Lord, my rock and my redeemer.' (Ps. 19: 14 NIV) |
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| To add a comment to "The Power of Well Chosen Words" |
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| May 12, 2008 |
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| Very well said! |
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| May 12, 2008 |
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| Life and Death are in the Power of our Words. Blessing and cursings, good Word sister! |
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| May 12, 2008 |
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| THANK YOU!! as Mike stated "very well put" words of wisdom and words to ponder on before I open my mouth. |
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| May 12, 2008 |
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11:16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong [men] retain riches.
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| May 12, 2008 |
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| Great message, Birdie! |
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| May 12, 2008 |
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| Hi Birdie!
What a deep and honest message you "preached" here!
That old adage "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me" is not true is it?
Words can destroy families, friends, and fellowship. And NATIONS!
May the words of our mouths and the thoughts of our hearts...
...be pleasing to you oh Lord!
May today bring you many joys! |
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| May 12, 2008 |
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Thanks for the stars! Mike, Kathy, Donna S, Plumbline, and BrokenBread: I appreciate you!
Mary: Indeed, our words can destroy--and they can bring so much life! I believe that starts with the meditations of our heart, as Yahshua said:
15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
Barvubuela: That's awesome! We always have a choice to align ourselves with the Word.
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| May 12, 2008 |
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25:11 A word fitly spoken [is like] apples of gold in pictures of silver. Oh, how I can attest to the veracity of your written expression. Words are such a generous gift from the Lord. To be able to express exactly what we mean so that the hearer is edified is a glorious excercise of purpose and godliness. 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
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| May 13, 2008 |
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| Words can be a knife to the soul or a healing balm...we have the power to build up or destroy. This is a great blog. |
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| May 14, 2008 |
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Bother Todd: Your elegantly stated reflection framed so delicately between the compelling truths of God's Word, lends a wonderful conclusion to be savored and appreciated. :)
Deb:Thank you! I'm working really hard on this---to build up and not to destroy. It does require exercise! |
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| May 14, 2008 |
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| Birdie...those are some serious verbal gymnastics! Excellent! I am totally impressed! |
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| May 14, 2008 |
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Let us be in agreement to praise God with our words! To build bridges, and tear down walls of evil! |
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| May 15, 2008 |
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Brother Todd: hahahaha! A little wordsmithing fun!
Joey: May it be as you say and with a fond and pleasurable heart that we concede to join in this singleminded quest to serve others with the blessing of our lips; for then shall no duplictious darkness spill forth from our souls.
The queen of purple prose rides again....heehee! |
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| May 19, 2008 |
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| i got a bar of soap in my mouth when i was younger. But i said much worse than that, and believe you me, i hated it. Yet it does not work with all kids, and yes we all as adults need to eat our own words!!!!!!!!!!! |
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| May 20, 2008 |
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I recall tasting the bar of Ivory soap at least twice. My grandmother was very consistant in setting boundaries as to how my brothers and I spoke to each other in her presence. She lived with us, so we didn't get away with much! I also recall making sure we landed our most critical verbal punches out of earshot! We knew there would be a price to pay if she over heard any name calling!
When we have to eat our own words, it's best to make sure they have a pleasant taste. |
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| May 20, 2008 |
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| Precious Brother Paul: I am indeed humbled by your words this morning. I join you in a noteworthy endeavor to let the grace and compassion of Christ mark our lips with fruitful expressions of His unyeilding love! |
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