the weight of words
What words does God speak over you?
Psalm 34: 13
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.
Growing up, my father’s words were harsh and sometimes cruel. Because of this words couldn’t carry much weight in my life - they would be too damaging if they did.
This meant that I talked back and I talked loudly, boldly, and carelessly for much of my young adult life. It was hard to understand how my words hurt people because I had yet to process how deeply my father’s words hurt me.
I began the healing and growth process by visualizing the words I spoke written out on the walls of the places I spoke them.
Maybe you have been hurt by someone’s words in your life or you find yourself a little careless with your words - if you were to visualize them what would they look like? How do you want your words to land? As you go about your day, think about how your words land on others.
Unlike the adage about sticks and stones, words do hurt us. When I think of the cruel words spoken over me, I like to write over them with the words God speaks over me. Divine, loved, good, kind.
I have found it is easier to speak words of loving kindness when I know I am worthy of loving kindness. What words does God speak over you? How does this change the words you speak over others?