The Spoken Word

By Audrey Marlene

Do you remember when you were taught the famous comeback as a kid “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me”? We all know how far from the truth that saying is. We are all aware of the enormous power in the meaning of the spoken word and what it means to the person who is on the receiving end. I’m sure you have been the recipient of words of wisdom, words of encouragement, or words of praise. On the other hand we have all experienced condescending words, words that hurt, words that destroyed our spirit, or words that have made us angry.

Encouraging Words

One of the most powerful things your words can do is to change the world in which you live. By your choice of words you can influence others in positive ways and as a result achieve peace and prosperity in your life. The following are ways to realize that:

• Pay a genuine compliment or a kind word to someone who crosses your path.
• Say something nice to build someone’s self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Your power of words can encourage and motivate someone by saying “you did a good job.”
• Say words of comfort to someone sad or grieving.
• Use your words to admit when you were wrong.
• Use your words to say “I’m sorry”
• Don’t forget to say “Thank You”
• Use your words to show appreciation
• Use your words to show respect for others.
• Say thing funny to make someone smile and brighten up their day.
• Use your words to help that special someone in your life feel secure with your love.
• Use your words to speak to God from your heart to give thanks for the blessing in your life.
• Use your words to praise your child for their efforts.
• Say words to let your children know what a gift they are to you.