our words

I was thinking tonight about how good little words of affirmation and encouragement make me feel. and giving them makes me feel good too. i started thinking about how powerful what we say can be. i can still remember the meanest things or most discouraging things that have been said to me throughout life and how devastating and debilitating those can be. i also can remember the best stuff that's been said to me... if i had never been told that i was good at teaching i never would have had the courage to pursue it.

our words hold so much power. life is too short to not speak life into those around us. i loved this random little thing i found...

"Jonathan Edwards resolved that in his life he wanted there to be something of benevolence in all he said. What a worthwhile goal that is for all of us. You see, in every conversation we choose whether we are going to

affirm the positive or dwell on the negative
spotlight the growth or the weakness
celebrate the victories or rehash the failures
encourage (give courage to another) or discourage (take courage from another)
think the worst or assume the best
draw them to Christ or push them away"

I love the idea of wanting there to be something of benevolence in all i say.

there is tons of scripture that talks about the power of our words. [james 1:19, james 3, colossians 4:6]

i want to speak life into those around me. even when it's difficult. even when it makes me feel awkward or uncomfortable. even when im angry or hurt or scared.