Words are powerful.
Whether words build up or words tear down, they have incredible strength to not only stick with us for a lifetime, but also to shape what we believe about ourselves and how we live our lives.
Many things have been said to me over the years that are difficult to forget. Some, because they inspired me to chase dreams I didn't realize anyone else saw in me. And others, because they cut deep and caused me to wonder if I could handle what was right in front of me and if I should be chasing the things I thought I loved.
Not long ago, someone said very purposefully to me that they did not believe my husband is called to work with children. Since my husband inspired my own love for children and has led our partnership in ministry to children throughout our marriage, I was harshly wounded by the conversation, though I KNOW that those words are untrue. I knew the words were false as soon as they were spoken, and I still know it now.
However, hearing those words, not just once, but time and time again on the record player of our minds, has proven to be quite a challenge for both myself and my husband in this most recent season of our lives.
However, hearing those words, not just once, but time and time again on the record player of our minds, has proven to be quite a challenge for both myself and my husband in this most recent season of our lives.
Unfortunately, I know others can relate to our story, and this reality breaks my heart. I can say with great certainty that our experience has been shared by many, and that we are not the only ones who have wrestled with harmful words spoken to us, about us, and about those we love. And often, the words that hurt the most are spoken by those whom we trusted most.
Where do we go with this? Once words have been spoken - and we all know that they cannot be UNspoken - what do we do? How do we battle the unpredictable replay of the conversation we wish we could forget?
With all that I'm learning, and with all of the words that have influence in our lives, I think the more important question is, which words do we choose to accept?
Though we may be unable to forget what we've heard, and though we cannot escape the wounds from the mouths of others, this most recent season of my life has taught me that I CAN choose to fill my heart and mind with words that matter, and I CAN choose to accept the life-giving words that are just as available to me as the words that hold the potential to kill my ideas, passions, and dreams.
With all that I'm learning, and with all of the words that have influence in our lives, I think the more important question is, which words do we choose to accept?
Though we may be unable to forget what we've heard, and though we cannot escape the wounds from the mouths of others, this most recent season of my life has taught me that I CAN choose to fill my heart and mind with words that matter, and I CAN choose to accept the life-giving words that are just as available to me as the words that hold the potential to kill my ideas, passions, and dreams.
When the words of the world are painful, turn to the Word of God.
I was inspired to journey through the Psalms earlier this year. I've read the Psalms many times, but taking time to read them slowly, from beginning to end, really opened my eyes. The Psalms are FULL of words that describe the magnitude of who God is and the overwhelm of His love.
God's Word tells me that He is powerful, sovereign, unchanging, faithful, holy, loving, and true to HIS Word. It also tells me that He is my guide, my protector, my shelter, my shepherd, my refuge. And not only that, His Word tells me in MANY ways that I am loved, unique, valued, and created with purpose in the image of my Heavenly Father.
I was inspired to journey through the Psalms earlier this year. I've read the Psalms many times, but taking time to read them slowly, from beginning to end, really opened my eyes. The Psalms are FULL of words that describe the magnitude of who God is and the overwhelm of His love.
God's Word tells me that He is powerful, sovereign, unchanging, faithful, holy, loving, and true to HIS Word. It also tells me that He is my guide, my protector, my shelter, my shepherd, my refuge. And not only that, His Word tells me in MANY ways that I am loved, unique, valued, and created with purpose in the image of my Heavenly Father.
God's love for each one of us is immense, and it is described in great detail throughout His Word.
It's amazing to me how many conversations I have had with others recently who are struggling with who they are and what their purpose is. These conversations not only remind me that none of us is alone in our feelings, but they also remind me how much we need to help point each other to - and fill each other with - words of LIFE.
Though I cannot UNhear the words that were said to me, I CAN choose to fix my thoughts on the many other words that are said to me and about me as a result of God's love for me. My husband and I can choose to accept the Word of God over the words of others, no matter the position or the title they may hold.
God tells us that He knows the plans He has for us - plans for GOOD and not for evil, plans to give us a future and a hope! God says that each of us is a masterpiece; a one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted creation, gifted with desires, passions, experiences, and abilities that no one else can offer this world.
Not only are we working to accept those words of Truth more and more every day, but we are also striving to pass along those words to others like us who desperately need to hear words of life that are louder than the words playing on repeat inside of their heads.
If you are struggling like we are, please reach out and let us know. You are not alone!
My husband and I would love to hear your story, offer encouragement, and pray for you. The words of the world are NOT the be-all, end-all that our enemy wants us to believe they could be. Begin building your foundation on God's Word, and choose to let His Truth flood your heart and mind as He reminds you Whose you are.
Finally, I'd invite you to take a listen to a great message that helped inspire this blog post, and be challenged to become a source of LIFE with the words you speak to others.
And please, please, PLEASE don't forget that no matter what others may say, YOU ARE LOVED.
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