I found this quote today and it has stuck with me all day….
I wonder if you remember a compliment or life-giving words that have been spoken to you?
I know that over the years I have learned to think more carefully about what words I speak.
I believe I have gone through the following phases….
First I did not realize that my words had impact
Second I tried to be more careful so my words would not wound someone
Third I learned how to neutralize my words
And finally, I have learned that my words can actually be life-giving words and I can offer them freely
For me, to speak life-giving words is to speak vision, hope or truth or encouragement.
For me, to speak life-giving words is to begin my words with I believe….
I believe your courage will see you through to the end, or I believe the integrity with which you speak will bring change to those around you.
For me, to speak life-giving words is to combine their perception with truth.
I hear that it is hard for you to see your own beauty, but I want you to know that I see beauty in the ways you generously offer your acts of service.
I have noticed that it is difficult for you to speak loud enough to be heard, but I want you to know that I believe you have valuable things to say, and want to hear you.
I believe that life-giving words can be spoken every day. It is not flattery. It is being intentional in how we speak to and love one another. I am thankful for friends and family who understand life-giving words. I am grateful for those who are bold and speak life-giving words to me which encourage my heart and remind me of my call and conviction. Sometimes life-giving words are reminding me that there are choices to make in how I live, that I am not stuck in a place that feels like a rut. Sometime life-giving words call sin sin and remind me of God’s amazing grace. Sometime life-giving words invite me to rest and other times they remind me to keep moving.
And so, as I wrap up this blog, I am reminded that there is no “right” way to speak life-giving words.But they must be spoken in love and communicated from your heart. I hope you will be bold and offer life-giving words to those around you. I hope you have people around you who speak life-giving words to you. It helps me to reflect at the end of a day where I chose to speak goodness and where I missed some opportunities to speak goodness. I find life more fun when I am generous with life-giving words.
Go and live boldly my friends and bring life to those you meet!
