Words

Greetings to you from my corner of the world to yours; I hope this finds you well.

Words. Tools of communication, simply a function of humanity you may say. But may I suggest that words go far beyond these simplistic meanings. Unless you live under a rock, or somehow manage to live beyond the drone of news and the public spotlight (and good for you if you do), you may have noticed that the story of “Who’s Anna’s Baby’s Daddy?” is being replaced by a “Don Imus Fired For Remarks” frenzy. I won’t link to a particular story because they are so rampant right now, and most are filled with opinion on who’s right and who’s wrong. I’m not going to add to the fray of that debate, I’d like to focus on words.

Words have the power to build up or tear down. In Don Imus’ case, for thirty years he has built a career on the words he’s spoken, and yet in a single moment, words ended his career. I’m sure he’ll rebound, but consider the impact his words are having right now.

If you’ve read the Bible, you know that God spoke and life was created. He called things into being. We are made in His image, and our words are just as powerful. We can build others up, including ourselves, with our words; or we can tear others down. We can speak words of life or we can utter curses. There is power in our words.

I write this blog because I believe in the power of words. I write words of encouragement and send them into cyberspace hoping to change someone’s outlook. We’ve all had days where just a word from someone completely changed our perspective on something or helped us make it through a tough time. Words can be a cool drink in a long hot and dry season. Words can be hope when things seem bleak. Words can give life. Words can also be damning and cutting. Words can condemn and convict. Words can crush a spirit and kill a dream. Words are powerful.

I’m having lunch today with a young man who recently started working with me to share with him what a great job he’s been doing. When I called him early in the week to see if he was free for lunch, he asked if I was going to fire him already…..somewhere in his past, he’s heard words that leave him doubting. We all have, and they’ve left their mark.

I want you hear these words today more than anything else: You are a beloved child of God. You may find yourself in a situation surrounded by people who don’t value you at all. But you need to understand that your situation and those people don’t define you, your Creator does, and He’s crazy in love with you. There is nothing He won’t do to be in relationship with you. He longs to hear from you and wants to be part of your life. He has a plan and purpose for you beyond anything you’ve ever imagined. He has words of life He is waiting to speak to you if you’ll just ask Him.

In closing, let me say that while I don’t even know many of you who read this, I value you and am so thankful that you stop by. I hope this day is a good one for you.


Peace……