Words.
They have power. Lots of it.
They matter more than we think. More than we admit.
That proof is in how careless we are with words that hurt and how fearful we are to speak truth when it needs to be heard.
Words matter, friends.
Why do we struggle so profoundly with our words?
Because of the ease of accessibility we have to the thoughts and words of millions of individuals, I do not know that we have ever witnessed a similar time in our history. A time where we have two extreme ends of the spectrum when it comes to words.
One extreme fills the room with vulgarity, anger, and bitterness. It’s condescending, disrespectful, and painful. The self-control and filtering has lost its place.
The other extreme is the silence. The fear of saying anything because it might just be politically incorrect.
We tend to live in extremes as a whole, don’t we?
Loving or putting up walls.
Engaging or withdrawing.
Accepting or rejecting with judgement.
And in the matter of words, blowing up or shutting down.
Why the extremes?
I think it is because it takes self-discipline to find a healthy and productive place. And self-discipline is something we are losing hold of in this evolving life experience of instantaneous gratifications. It’s something we are struggling to teach our children.
But, friends, it matters. Self-discipline matters. And words matter.
Last week I stepped out of my comfort zone and made a video. Talking to a video camera and then listening and watching my own face and voice … Oh my goodness. Not a comfortable place for me! The funny thing is, though, I couldn’t shush up once the Word of God got a hold of me!!
For 8 long minutes! Ha! (I guess I’ll be working on shortening any future videos instead of lengthening them!)
The topic, though? Words matter. It was in reference to the Building a Lasting Love Story #MarriageSeries I just completed. However, I couldn’t help but speak, as well, to the fact that our words matter in every area of our lives.
If you’ve got the 8 minutes, I’d love for you to watch! God really convicted my heart on this stuff! Some of you have already seen this on my Facebook page and you were so sweet to cheer me on in my new little uncomfortable adventure! ♥
Our Words Matter Video
When will politicians learn that words matter?
I’m not one to write about my political views or any divisive topics. My heart for this space is for it to simply be a place where you can come for hope and encouragement. A place to be reminded that you matter and that you are loved. So today, I don’t want to be divisive. I am sharing hope and I’m attempting to do that within the context of the heated political season in which we find ourselves.
You see, whether it is Donald Trump or Hilary Clinton, we have found that words matter. These two are on the world’s biggest platform and their words have come back to hurt them. They have come back to hurt many including the millions trying to choose one in order to exercise their civic privilege, right and duty to vote.
Whether it is Hilary Clinton denouncing the young women that were involved with her husband, or the ones who came forward in accusations against him, her words are coming back now. And in that same breath, her husband’s words and conduct are coming back, too.
Or Donald Trump talking in vulgar and disrespectful terms about women. It’s all coming back with a vehemence.
I am a Mama to boys. A teen and a preteen. Sadly, I’ve intercepted texts and Instagram messages that disappoint me. Thankfully my boys talk to me and give me insight into what the other boys say.
And girls, too. They are not exempt. I see those messages. Comments and conduct that make me want to look into their eyes and tell them they are worth so much more.
Their words matter and they don’t even realize it.
As a Mama it is my job to keep watching and intercepting. It’s my job to reprimand and point my boys to the Word of God to see how their words line up with His heart. I call it a privilege to help them understand that their words matter!
Our two candidates for President have messed up big in the areas of truth and words that matter. But maybe our children can learn from what they are witnessing right now. Maybe we can turn these examples into learning moments for them.
And maybe … just maybe we can make a generation of people that rise up for truth, respect, humility, and words that speak truth in love. Words that honor Christ.
What can we teach our children from this current political season? #wordsmatter #momentsofhope
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With these thoughts in mind, I was drawn to an article written by Sarah Jean for the online lifestyle magazine, Her View From Home. Her article, Who Would Jesus Vote For, drew me in. Her perspective as a Communications Director for a member of Congress, is spot on. Not only is she aware and educated in the matters at hand, but she is a follower of Jesus who speaks powerful truth in love.
I didn’t know what to expect as I clicked on Sarah Jean’s link, but I can tell you I was delightfully surprised by her words. I think you will be, as well!
We need to be aware and we need to be educated. We can’t put our heads under the pillow to drown out the noise and we can’t resort to ugly comments. Neither will produce good fruit.
I think we must do our part. Jesus wants from us our best. I tend to believe that our best means being as highly educated as possible in this election. We need to know the facts. Not just the topics of personal interest, but about all areas like social justice, education, economics, taxes, and foreign policy. Know who and what are behind the resources from which we are learning. Is it liberal? Conservative? Is the perspective skewed by this leaning? Be educated by both sides of the arguments. Don’t depend on only social media. Get to truth. And then? Don’t be afraid to speak truth. We just need to make sure we speak it in love.
Now, friends, it is time for you to share some more hope with the world! I am praying that God has hand-picked hearts that will be encouraged through your words. I pray He uses your words to point boldly to the hope found only in Him! Thank you for sharing your words here. They matter and don’t ever forget it!
And, just so you know …
I’m so glad you’re here. ♥
Our Words Matter... and a video! Come join us today at #MomentsofHope #linkup #video
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What I ask of you:
1. Share only one URL (to a blog post, not the actual blog) that resonates with the topic of HOPE. Anything that gives us hope for tomorrow. Hope for victory. The little things and the big. Anything that inspires us to lean into Jesus and let Him carry us through.
2. Important: If you don’t have a blog post or podcast that resonates with HOPE, join in other ways as you pray and encourage others with a comment or a prayer.
3. Please leave a comment on the link just before yours. Would you love on them well? Encourage them in their efforts to share the hope of Jesus. If you have time, stop by more than one sweet writer’s little corner of the blog world!
4. Of course, I would love it if you would follow me via my blog and/or social media channels! Signing up for my blog gets you fun freebies and post updates, plus I get to know you a little better!
5. If this gives you hope, would you consider sharing it with others to give them hope, too?
6. Please either grab the #MomentsofHope button found here or link back to me to encourage new linkers.
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