If you ever doubt the power of a word, ever wonder how words alone can scale the darkness that surrounds us in the world, consider this - God said let there be light, and there was light. He spoke over an earth that was formless and void, the darkest dark that ever existed was the world.
God did not dig or pound or hammer or fight. He did not run breathless into nothing, He breathed life into man. He simply said it, and it was. Words affirm, seduce, clarify, define. Powerful enough to begin war and merciful enough to end them. Words persuade, convince, tear down, build up. Perhaps the poets, the storytellers, and those who speak their words with conviction stand on the front lines of influence. What do you think about the power of words to change the world?
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Our mouths speak what is in our heart so when our hearts are renewed by Him through the washing of the Word of God, our words have impact..enough impact to change the world, to set in motion the purposes of God for peoples lives and to bless! Words are very powerful therefore we have to guard our hearts and minds so that we are discerning and choose the right ones to speak out. Jesus even asks us to bless those that curse us…that’s radical!
Silence rarely changes anything.
I am finding that the words that seem most revealing and scariest to say are the words that impact people the most. I love the Adrienne Rich quote, “When a woman tells the truth she is creating the possibility for more truth around her.” And, I would add, more change.
I have always loved this quote from the movie The Interpeter…
“The gunfire around us makes it hard to hear. But the human voice is
different from other sounds. It can be heard over noises that bury
everything else. Even when is not shouting. Even if it’s just a
whisper. Even the lowest whisper can be heard – over armies – when
it’s telling the truth.”
One word: YES!
As a storyteller words are my love and greatest tool. As a visual storyteller the words are even more important, because I must dig deeply to represent the words well, without physically using them.
The world was formed with words. Is it any wonder people are reached with the power of the same?
I was taught that God created the world with His words. We are created in His image, so we are to speak life into the world, as He did and does.
Words are most certainly powerful. Lately I’m noticing the power of speaking the truth v. the power of speaking lies. Either way you’re making something much more real. All these words start with thoughts, so I think too of the battle that goes on in our thoughts. It’s my choice to engage the filter of my flesh or the filter of His Spirit. The Spirit filter makes those lies so very obvious (e.g., “you’re alone, you are not enough, try harder, measure up”). I have noticed (and it seems like such a duh thing to say) that my Spirit filter works so much better when I abide in Him, talk to Him, rest in Him, read what He says (not said as in past tense, His word is very much alive). When I am not making those choices and instead abide in others and other things, well then you know what happens. Flesh filter engages and suddenly the lies are harder to discern. So the filter in my mind seems to determine my words – written or spoken. The words I speak or write from the Spirit bring His life to others and affirm truth, while the words I speak or write from my flesh reinforce the lies. I wish there was a “filter check” on email some days – like spell check, only better.
God spoke words and creation exploded into being. God spoke His Word and that Word became flesh and walked among us. For a beautiful picture of the power of words to change the world, simply turn your eyes to Jesus, the very Word of God.
I want to leave a message before leaving for a travel these days. update 31 days on my return in italy. I want to thank with all my heart blessed days spent with you.
They gave me so much healing, inner growth and spiritual blessing.
I decided to say yes and open my heart to love after spending so much time alone as a mom. God bless you all.
Words have changed my world. Enticing words, hurtful/demeaning words, and highly encouraging words. The simple everyday words change me continually. Thank you…that looks great sweetie…you’re so talented…and more. These make up and heal the “other”words.
Your words, Emily, are life-words. Thank you.
I love this post, because I love words, and I think they have the potential to change so much. I’m taking a class on the history of the English language and it’s fascinating to see how the language has changed history, how it’s been changed by history. I love seeing the tidbits of sociolinguistics: how society and language play on the see-saw of influence with each other. And I love that this power of language comes from God’s use of it to breathe life into us, to breathe life into the world we inhabit.
LOVE it! I graduated with a degree in Journalism, and have always been moved by and hoped to influence others for good with words. Maybe I’ll be like you when I grow up… except I’m pretty sure I am at least 10 years older!
To see, to not turn a blind eye is the call on my heart. Thank you for the gentle reminder to us all. My most recent post is more about seeing and why we need to see.