Do you ever stop and think how empty and meaningless our words often become? We throw out phrases such as , "love you" to every friend passing by, or "let's catch up sometime," when in reality they are empty phrases lacking meaning. When we wear out words without action to back them, they lose purpose to become bare fillers of space.
I spent my college career studying rhetoric, therefore I do believe words can create change. In 2017, we watched our nation battle natural disasters, multifarious harassment scandals, and terrorist attacks to leave us feeling hopeless and praying 2018 would save us - to only face another massacre only 45 days into the new year. However, if you look back on each of these events, you will see the language, which has begun to create change. No matter how horrific an event, people find a way to support, love, and communicate with one another. We heard men and women say the words, "Me too," which lead Oprah to utter the words, "time is up". We saw the language of sacrificial love in humanity when men and women shielded each other at a Las Vegas concert; as well as their extreme generosity when cities were devastated by circumstances they could not prevent. We also watched students bravely face lawmakers to express their positions and beliefs on gun control. Language was redeemed with meaning and purpose due to the actions behind them. When words are put into action, we witness the love and grace of humanity amidst great destruction and pain.
These catastrophic events brought people from all walks of life together, which is something to be celebrated . . . but should we have to wait until our society is in ruins to band together?
How often do you stop and think about the intention behind your words? Personally, I hate to admit, not as often as I should. We tell people we support them, but when they ask for it, we're too busy to follow through on our word. We tell someone we love them, but never show them we do. Words have meaning, and we should treat them as such.
Want to hear my advice to stay intentionally focused on your language?
Since 2015, I have picked a "word of the year," sort of a word to live by, to remind me of the power of language and keep me centered. The most powerful part of these words has been able to look back after the year is done, and see how God worked through my life by emphasizing each word; but I'm not perfect, so not every word that comes out of my mouth is intentional and articulate, so don't think I'm trying to tell you to speak perfectly because no one can expect that from you. However, when we place our focus on our intention and purpose, we shift our focus to an outward approach to be able to see and love others more clearly. Too often, we're stuck in our inward thinking of, "what do I want?", "what do I need?", "what will benefit me?", which removes the ability to place the needs of others at the forefront of our thoughts. God placed us on this earth together to live and love each other in community, so let's remember to honor Him by doing so.
This year I am focusing on GRACE, to exercise understanding and forgiveness towards others as well as myself. I challenge you to join me on a journey to be more intentional with your words, to only speak what you mean, and pick a word to center your focus. Together we can spark great change, by spreading kindness and love to those around us. Remember, your words are powerful, you are powerful, but most importantly, when we live out the love of Jesus together, His power moves mountains.