Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose. Proverbs 18:21 MSG
The words we speak have the power to impact lives.
When I was a toddler, I got so many compliments about how cute I was with my blonde hair, bright eyes, and big dimples. My eyes were complimented on so often that around age four I would walk up to strangers, blink several times, and ask, “Don’t I have beautiful eyes?”
At around 7 or 8 years old, one of the older kids that I really looked up to told me something that I’ve never forgotten. Because it was someone I looked up to and trusted, I believed those words. I was told, “Cute kids grow up to be ugly adults.” Even though my parents always told me I was beautiful, as crazy as it sounds, I grew up through my preteen, teen years, and early adulthood believing I was ugly. I struggled with insecurity. It wasn’t until I was in my early twenties and married that my husband helped me overcome this. It wasn’t easy, nor was it enjoyable. Of course, he always told me I was beautiful, but I didn’t fully believe him. He made me look in the bathroom mirror and say to myself, “I am beautiful.” The first time was the hardest. I’m not sure how long we stood in the bathroom before I managed to get the words out with tears streaming down my cheeks. Through time and consistency, I was able to overcome that lie.
Be aware of the words you speak. Your words are powerful. Be intentional with your words. Use your words to build people up.
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