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I've been thinking about words a lot lately and how powerful they really are.We are living in a time where words don't seem to carry as much weight as they used to. We don't think much about breaking a promise, talking about others behind their backs, commenting negatively about people online or consuming the latest goss for fun in the shiny magazines sold at our local supermarkets.
As a parent and wife, I'm so aware that my words impact not only my world, but the world of my kids and my marriage.
So lately I've been imagining my words are like seeds. When we sow seeds into the garden, we expect to grow something because we know they are living and there will be something produced from them. My words are exactly the same.
Instead of being casual with my words, I've started to imagine them being like seeds... realising that they will have an effect when planted, whether positive or negative.
When I talk to my children, my words are like seeds... they will either negatively or positively affect my kids. Same thing goes for the words I speak over myself, my husband and my friends.
Lately, I've been asking myself what kind of garden I am planting in my life with my words. Am I looking around at a life full of weeds and thorns which are the result of years of negativity and criticism, or have I planted words (seeds) of hope and encouragement into my life and those around me?
If my words are like seeds, am I as careful and thoughtful with my words as I am when I plant seeds into my vegetable garden at home?
One area I've really had to watch is the way I use my words when speaking negatively about or to myself. One question I ask myself is, "Would I let someone speak to my friends or kids the way I speak to myself?". I've realised that my relationship with myself sets the tone for every other relationship I have.
Instead of being casual with my words, I've started to imagine them being like seeds... realising that they will have an effect when planted, whether positive or negative.
When I talk to my children, my words are like seeds... they will either negatively or positively affect my kids. Same thing goes for the words I speak over myself, my husband and my friends.
Lately, I've been asking myself what kind of garden I am planting in my life with my words. Am I looking around at a life full of weeds and thorns which are the result of years of negativity and criticism, or have I planted words (seeds) of hope and encouragement into my life and those around me?
If my words are like seeds, am I as careful and thoughtful with my words as I am when I plant seeds into my vegetable garden at home?
One area I've really had to watch is the way I use my words when speaking negatively about or to myself. One question I ask myself is, "Would I let someone speak to my friends or kids the way I speak to myself?". I've realised that my relationship with myself sets the tone for every other relationship I have.
When I speak, 3 good things to check are:
1. Is it true?
2. Is it kind?
3. Is it necessary?
Without realising it, one of the most powerful things we possess are our words – especially over others.
With your words you can tear down or build up. Your words can change the course of a life – you can destroy dreams, or you can spark hope.
Chose your words wisely.
I recently spoke on this topic at our church here.
With your words you can tear down or build up. Your words can change the course of a life – you can destroy dreams, or you can spark hope.
Chose your words wisely.
I recently spoke on this topic at our church here.
