Proverbs 15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly."
I had the privilege of talking to a parent of a special needs child. In our conversation, I was struck by how she speaks about her child. She has so much faith and so focused on her child's abilities rather than her disabilities.
She introduced me to her child. She's so beautiful and looks very happy. I made a comment on how joyful her child is. I was so struck with her reply, she said, "I speak life to her."
It made me smile.
SPEAK LIFE!
I believe in the power of words. Proverbs 18:21 states that "The tongue has the power of life and death." You can speak life or death. Your words can make or break other people and even your own. It can tear each other down or lift up a person.
The way you convey a message will trigger different emotions and feelings that may affect how others respond to you and your response to your life circumstances. My automatic response to things when someone wants me to do something that I do not like is passive-aggression, and I tend to shut down when I feel I am forced to do things.
I remember my two mentors when I was in my twenties. They both had a different approach to me when they pointed out things that I needed to improve. One mentor will come to me with a critical stance, pointing out all the negative things I've done and a list of things I needed to do. This triggers a defensive posture and a feeling of anger and discomfort in me. Bless her heart. I know she just wanted me to be better, but her approach made me shut down and refuse to do what she wanted me to do.
My second mentor used a "sandwich approach." She will tell me first the things that I am good at. In between, she would say to me one or two things that I needed to improve by asking me questions. It seemed like the things that I needed to improve came from me. She would give me affirmations by pointing on the skills and strengths that I can tap to reach my new goal. I felt good after talking to her and motivated to make changes.
My point is there is power in your words. What you say and how you say it will make a difference.
The words you're using and how you say it may make other people on the other line accept or reject your message.
Two years after I immigrated here in the US, I wanted to become a special education teacher. When I told my friend this desire, she said to me that no one would hire me. I will be wasting money and time because I have an accent and English is my second language.
What she said created fear and doubt. I was thinking, what if she is right? What if no one will really hire me? I know my friend means well. I believe she cares about me, that she didn't want me to be frustrated. However, one day I met a teacher. I told her my desire to be a teacher and my fear that no one will hire me because my accent and English is my second language.
Her words uplifted me when she told me that we need teachers like me, a second language learner. I would understand more the struggle of many students who are here who are also learning English. Those words inspire me so much that I enrolled and get my degree in special education. I am now a teacher. I am so grateful for that teacher who inspired me.
There is power in your words. Choose the words you are about to say. If you want to live the life you desire, declare it, and speak about it. There is power in your words. Go out today, reach out to others who may need your words of encouragement today.
Also, be careful with what you say when you are mad or frustrated. It is better to be quiet when you're so upset with someone or something because you cannot take back the words you already said. Reflect and ponder the words you will say when you are in an intense situation.
Proverbs 15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly."
Watch out for what you say, choose your words wisely, speak more life blessings and gratitude.
Share uplifting words today.
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