Our Words Matter
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 judgment.
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 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.
Speak Truth in Love
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.
And, just so you know …
I’m so glad you’re here. ♥
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Thank you, Lori, for talking about this topic in such balanced terms. Did we ever think that we would be thinking the thoughts and having the agonizing vacillations that we’re experiencing during this election season? May God give us wisdom — and may He heal our land.
Never … I think that is a big problem within our society, though. We don’t think of the longterm effects of our choices. Our words, behaviors, and choices. I’m praying that prayer with you, friend!
Beautiful post, Lori! I’ve been thinking about this topic so much lately too, in that people that are silent need to step up and be truth tellers, and people that are shouting terrible things from their soapbox need to learn to listen more. If we stop standing up and speaking the truth about our faith then no one will ever know about Jesus. Then again, if we don’t do it with love we also might be causing more damage.
Thank you also for featuring my What Would Jesus Do article!
Sarah, I so loved your post! One of my very favorite political/spiritual perspectives of this season! I’m praying for our nation and for our people! Thanks so much for joining me here and sharing hope!
Amen! My heart has hurt this year for the rain of hurtful words and your right the message it is sending to our children is more than a little disappointing. Thanks for taking on this important subject!!
Thanks, Deb! I pray that this mess will open our eyes as a society as to what we are doing, saying, and allowing into the lives of our children!
Lori- I really enjoyed Sarah Jean’s post. Whether we like the candidates or not, who is elected is part of God’s grand plan. Doesn’t everything work out for His glory?
We can’t see what He sees, maybe this is a great awakening of faith?
We need to earnestly pray for our country and our leaders, and thank God for the ability to have this vote here in the U.S.
Julie
Amen, Julie! Thanks so much for joining me here!
I enjoyed getting to see and hear you today, Lori! Your message is so on-point. Words DO matter. What we say and also how we say it. Thanks for reminding us to be strategic and kind with our words in the ways that Jesus wants.
Thanks, Lisa! You are so kind!
as a woman of too-many words, here here! (or hear, hear!) – great and encouraging post, dear Lori with an i. You’re doing a great job raising your kids and raising awareness to God’s kindness, power and standard.
Sue, You always crack me up! How fun it would be to get to hang out with you! Thank you, friend!
Loved this Lori- the two extremes of either blowing up or shutting down. You describe the tension perfectly and identify self-discipline as key to balance. Thank you! Needed this today:)
I’m so thankful for your visit and your kind words! And I’m so glad I could be of encouragement! Blessings and smiles, Lori
Lori, our words do matter so much. Wonderful post and wonderful video! Thank you for sharing and stepping into the unknown. I look forward to more videos from you. 🙂 Blessings to you!
Thanks, Gayl! You are so kind!!!
Oh, Lori, they do, they do!!! Once they are out of our mouths, we cannot take them back. No matter how much we apologize for saying them, they hit a tender spot in someone (or many someones) and that spot has a hard time releasing those words of ours. I once wrote a post on toothpaste. A friend homeschooled her two boys. The oldest (at 4) was asked to trace the four letters on the cardboard…WORD. He did obediently. Once he knew what those four letters said, his mother asked him to put the toothpaste back in the tube. He looked at her bewildered as he told her that he could not get it back in..the hole was too small and such. Thus, the platform was laid for Mama to teach about our words. I have never forgotten that lesson from a four year old because we all…ALL…need that lesson, no matter how old we are! Thank you, Lori, for sharing this. Many are thinking these thoughts in this time of our country’s history. ~ linda
I looooooooove that example, Linda!!! I am going to do this with my kids! Even though the oldest is 14, I think it may be perfect timing for his teenage brain! lol!
Blessings and smiles, my friend!
Wow, Lori. This post is so good, and especially needed for the season our country is in. Love the video!! <3
Thanks so much, Lauren! You are a blessing!
Words do matter Lori! I think that’s why, as writers, we are so passionate about crafting these posts. May God help us to be as thoughtful in our speech as in our writing. Thank you for that reminder today.
Amen, Angela! Us “word” people do pay extra special attention to words! Hugs!
Oh yes, Lori, words matter so much! I love your video. The message is so heartfelt. Oh, that we would always speak the truth in love and filter our words through the words of Christ! Thank you so much for this inspiring reminder. Blessings and hugs to you!
Thanks so much, Trudy! So many problems could be solved by the simple courage and then filtering of our words! Many blessings and hugs to you, too, my friend ♥
This video is so SPOT ON in my life right now. Thank you for showing me that I can ask God for guidande both when I’m tempted to confront angrily and when I need the courage to say something. It was exactly what I needed to ponder right now. I’m sending my thankfulness and blessings your way! Ps. you know I asked God for a community of Christian women the other week and right about then I found you! He has everything in his hands.
Hi Mia,
Your words here so blessed me! Thank you! I am honored to have been God’s answer to your prayers! Make sure to sign up for the community and send me an email to tell me more about yourself!!! Blessings and smiles, Lori
Great video, Lori! And great words of truth. Those two extremes really do get us into trouble and God’s word offers the road map for staying in the best lane. Thanks for the linkup as well, my friend!
Thanks, Beth! I was so nervous, but it actually ended up being fun! So glad you stopped by for a visit!♥