The POWER of WORDS

'Handle them carefully, for words have more power than atom bombs.' --Pearl Strachan

Have you ever thought about the power of your own words? Remember the old saying: “Sticks and Stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me”? While it is true that sticks and stones can break your bones, we believe that words have just as much (if not more) power to hurt you. As the quote above references, words have more power than atom bombs!

Words have the power to cut someone down or to build someone up. They can create lasting scars on our souls and a psyche. Words can influence the way we feel about ourselves and even the actions we take in our lives. The power of our words is just as important as the power of our actions.

Many times we don’t even realize (or we underestimate) the power of our own words! Have you ever seen a parent scold or ridicule a child in public? A husband lash out at his wife? Or a supervisor berate an employee? Not a pretty site. And, just think of how the victim of this *verbal attack* feels!

These types of scenarios have long lasting effects! When we hear something enough times, it becomes our truth or our “story” and we cling to and often times believe. Remember, perception is reality!

On the flip side, how do you feel when you see a parent offering words of encouragement or support to a child? A husband expressing his love and admiration for his spouse? Or a supervisor praising an employee? A positive or kind word or remark can make someone’s day. It can fill them with confidence, pride and happiness! It’s like filling up your car’s gas tank! When you have a full tank of gas, you can go anywhere you choose!

Every day you have a choice on what words to use and how you deliver these words. Not only do we get to select the words that will come out of our mouths, we get to determine the tone and delivery as well. Pretty powerful stuff!

It reminds me of another old saying, that my mother ALWAYS said and we believe more people should abide by: ‘If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.’
Enough said!