Words are more powerful than we realize. God spoke the
universe into existence with words. We speak reality into existence with our
words.
This month, division in my team was literally spoken into
existence. One minute we were doing fine, and the next minute we were splitting
off in pairs and cliques because of an idea that was planted (like the movie
“Inception”). There was awkwardness and an “us” and “them” mentality.
As another example, there have been countless times when
I’ve viewed a guy only as a friend until someone teased or suggested that there
was something more there. All of a sudden I have a crush on a guy that is
entirely based off someone else’s words and not off any real interest in the
guy. Any of you girls out there know what I’m talking about?
I’ve always known that words have power, but I’ve never
known that words literally turn into reality in front of your eyes. Words
create crushes out of thin air. Words create division out of thin air. I’m
sitting here picturing not merely air coming out of my mouth when I speak, but
physical, tangible objects literally coming out of my mouth.
But you know what? Words may speak death into existence, but
they can also speak life into existence. My teammates see strengths in me that
I was completely unaware of, and they tell me what they see. And the more they
tell me how awesome I am and how much I have to share with the world (I’m sorry
that sounds cheesy and possibly prideful—please just keep reading and see my
heart in it), the more courageous I feel about stepping up and speaking out in
words and deeds. And I’ve found out that that’s exactly what the world needs.
It needs more of me being bold enough to be me—sharing my insights, sharing my
struggles, and daring to let loose, no matter what anyone thinks of me. (By the
way, the world needs more of you being you too, because you are irreplaceable,
and you’re boldness will give others the courage to do the same.)
There’s an old story that illustrates my point well. . .
Once upon a time, a man named Johnny Lingo was renowned on
some unknown Pacific Island for his great wisdom. Johnny was the most respected
man on the island and could’ve had any wife he wanted, but he chose the
homeliest woman on the island. Her family never thought they would be able to
marry her off, and if they did, they would only get one cow for a dowry. But
Johnny astonished them all. Three or four cows would be considered an
extravagant dowry for any girl, but Johnny paid eight cows for his unlovely
bride!
As time passed, visitors would come to Johnny’s house and
couldn’t believe their eyes. His homely bride was no longer homely, but
radiated with love, confidence, and grace. That’s the power of words. As long
as everyone told her that she was ugly and unwanted, that’s the message she
embraced and became. But when someone finally told her otherwise—that she had
value, was wanted, and beautiful—that is what she became.
So what words are being spoken over your life? I hope they
are words of life. And what realities are you creating with your words?
Let me share some scandalous reality with you right now—the
Creator of the universe is inviting you to become a part of the story He is
writing. Do you want in?
~ Katie
