SPEAK LIFE 11.13.24

”Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

-Proverbs 16:24

I don’t know about you, but I’m a pretty chatty Kathy kinda girl. I genuinely enjoy conversing with people, getting to know people and sharing my story with people…just to name a few! 

 But something I don’t like to think about are conversations of the past that I regret.  I have said many ugly, hurtful and unnecessary words to people over the course of my life. No matter what I do, I can’t take them back. I can’t go back in time and say something else or say it in a different manner or tone.

 There’s an old saying that, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” And I’m here to tell ya, that ain’t true! I have never broken a bone before but I’ve had lots of bruises, scratches, gashes, jammed fingers, given birth and stumped (stubbed?) my toes and let me tell ya, THEY FREAKING HURT. But ya know what?? Overtime, they heal. 

Words, on the other hand, can leave a lifelong lasting impact. But just as easily as words can hurt and cut people down, words can also speak life and speak healing over people. Our tongues hold such power in the words we choose to say. 

Sure, there are moments in time that we say things in the heat of the moment. But what would happen if you just mentally took a step back before responding to someone and truly thought of the impact your words will leave on them not just today but tomorrow or even next year?

Words matter and the way you speak to yourself, to your kids, to your friends and family and even to strangers, MATTERS! There is so much power behind the words that we choose to say that we can truly build someone up and make their day or completely break them down and send them into a downward spiral. Personally, when people speak kindness and positivity over me and into my life, I feel like I absolutely BLOSSOM! But when things are going awry, I instantly go into anxious overdrive and shut down, my stomach churns and I just don’t feel good.

God has given us such a powerful tool! Our words actually have the ability to shape our reality and the reality of the people around us. Speaking in a positive manner can truly lead to positive and fruitful outcomes, flourishing relationships and incredible opportunities! So the next time a negative thought creeps into your mind about yourself, take it captive and immediately speak something positive and uplifting to yourself. Same goes for everyone around you - speak life into their life! 

REFLECT

Right now, I want you to tell yourself 3 things you love about yourself! GO!!!

Next, compliment someone today - or just simply smile at a stranger and say hello. It truly is the little things in life that mean so much!

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of being able to speak and being able to actually speak LIFE over myself, loved ones and absolute strangers. What an incredible and powerful gift you have entrusted to me! 

God, please forgive me for all the hurt that my words may have caused others. Please heal anyone that I may have caused pain, heal them in a way that only You can and let those painful words and memories be washed away. Thank you for your grace and mercy as I try to be more mindful about the weight of the words I say may carry. Help me to speak life and encouragement into my own life and to those around me today and everyday. 

Please also heal me from the words that have been used to hurt and belittle me.

Thank you for your forgiveness and healing.

In Jesus name I pray.

Amen.

KEY BIBLE VERSES

Ephesians 4:29 | Proverbs 15:4

Colossians 4:6 | Proverbs 18:21