Words

One thing I've learned in the past few weeks is the power of words. As weird as it may seem, it really made me rethink a few things. I've been struck by how a simple word can make my day. I think I really caught the idea when I saw my boss edit something over and over, meticulously thinking about the influence of one word over another. After analyzing the sentence for about 5 minutes, she finally realized the exact word she wanted to use and put it in the passage-conveying exactly what she wanted to say.

Even the simple fact of what words are used and which ones are omitted makes a difference. Why do we choose to say "pick" instead of "grab?" Why do people smile (or smirk) when I say "y'all" instead of "you guys?" How is it that you can be remembered for emphasizing one word more than another? Why is it that when someone chooses to say one word instead of another during a conversation with me, that I overanalyze the conversation to know why they made that decision? How can a simple phrase, like "guard your heart," evoke so much meaning and memories - and yet be so difficult to explain?

I've never had to pick my words more carefully than a painstakingly crafted email this week. There was so much I wanted to say, but couldn't. Too much that I needed to get off my chest, but knowing that if I said it, the words would burn down a 27 year old bridge. So, I didn't say it and decided it was the best option. In another conversation, I decided not to explain something fully and ended up wondering why I made that choice. Omission is a weird thing.

What it all makes me realize is that I need to choose my words carefully. I need to really be creative in how I express who I am, but also cautious of how it might be perceived by others. It is truly amazing how many references there are in Proverbs of how praises should flow from our lips instead of deceitful lies - and that is just Proverbs. Because He knows all that comes from my mouth before I say it, I pray that it is all honoring


"The wonder of all You've made
Foundations Your hands have laid
Bringing me back, to my knees...
I'm lost for the words to say
Lost for another way
Ruined for anything
Other than Your love
I'm desperate to know You more
Desperate for what's in store
Finding my hope in only You, only You
Take me beyond this door
Lead me to something more
Open my heart up for more of You, more of You
I'm lost for the words to say
Left here in disarray
Waiting on true love, waiting on You
I throw reason overboard
Knowing that there's still more
I don't yet believe it.. I can't yet perceive
I can't seem to understand, can't seem to find my way
Its over my head... over my head"
- Starfield, 'Over My Head'