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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Be careful what you say . . .

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 Today we're talking about the way we use our words and unless you've been living under a rock your entire life, I'm sure you've heard of the saying, 

"Be careful what you wish for (or say), it just may come true."

Or have said,

"Don't say that, you'll jinx me!" 

These may seem like everyday common sayings to most of us, but if it were that simple, why do they hold so much weight? 

As a society, we really truly believe that words spoken against us or another holds significant consequences and rightfully so.

In Proverbs 18:21 were told that:

 "Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Or in The Message translation:

"Words kill, words give life; 
they're either poison or fruit-you choose. 

Did you ever know such common sayings could come from the Bible? You'd be surprised at how many more originate there. 

Everyday whether we like it or not, we interact with others. Of course our modes of communication have changed, but the words we send out are still just as powerful. Think of a time when someone said something hurtful, made an unnecessary dig, or maybe even shot down your dreams. 

How much weight did those few little words carry in your life?

Do the words still haunt you? Did it make you change the course of your life? Or did it simply just make you angry and hurt?

While these feelings are still fresh, I want to challenge you to be careful what you let come out of your mouth from now on.

 Or in another sense, put a filter on it!

What I've learned the hard way many times is that once I let something slip from my mouth I can never get it back. Whether it was a wise cracking joke, an angry explosion of word vomit, or simply stating that "I think I'm getting sick," I can never go back and reclaim those words.

You see, words have a lot of power and once we speak them they take on a life of their own. 

For example, have you ever caught a case of the sniffles and then proceeded to proclaim to everyone around you that you were catching a nasty cold?

What happened the next morning?

If you're anything like me, the more I proclaim I'm catching a cold, the worse it becomes. It's so strange because if I feel something coming on, take some vitamin C, and then leave it at that, the symptoms seem to vanish; no nasty cold for me. The exact opposite happens when I feel the symptoms coming on and then I moan and complain about how I'm getting sick. More times than none, I get sick!

How about going in for the job interview of your dreams. 

You want the position so bad, you can taste it! As you're getting ready to head out for the interview you call a friend for some last advice. Your friend not really thinking much of it proceeds to tell you that you'll do okay but the job your applying for is way above your qualifications. They may or may not have meant you any harm in saying it, but what did it just do for your confidence? If you're at all normal, it most likely deflated it. As you drive to your interview, you begin to internalize those simple words.

Are you good enough?

Should you have even applied?

And on and on your mind spins until you meet with the interviewer and totally bomb.

So much for your dream job right?

I could go on and on, but the point is . . .

Be careful of the words you speak of yourself and others. If you speak badly of yourself, bad things are sure to happen. If you speak bad of someone else, again bad things are going to happen. 

Words are powerful so always let yours be uplifting and inspiring to those you come into contact with. You never know when they could come back to bite you. 


8 comments:

  1. It's too bad our society doesn't take head to the Proverb instead of the silly sayings. It's so true and very important. Thanks for bringing it up =)

    - Sarah

    http://agirlintransit.blogspot.com

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  2. Amen sister!!! I couldnt agree with you more!!

    Thank you for this reminder, I do find myself speaking before thinking then I end up regreting what I said...

    xo
    http://www.yuliconversations.blogspot.com/

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  3. I read a book about this...what you speak is how you'll live, I did a little post about this and love reading yours, this is why I adore you!
    If I feel sick...deny deny...interviews...Give them to the Lord and be at peace with the outcome...Trust in the Lord...lean not into your own understanding...

    I have to be MINDFUL everyday to speak words pleasing to our Lord. And everyday I fail...this is why I love your blog...little reminders to stay on track. Thank you. Love this!

    Lola
    http://beeyoutifulyou.blogspot.com/

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  4. I live by this. My mom got this stuck in my head as a child. I'm always telling people to speak and believe in positive things for their lives. It's not enough to say it, you also have to believe what you're saying. I always start with gratitude and then move to a place of positive feelings and words. Great post.

    XO Kelley
    http://www.keepsittingpretty.blogspot.com

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  5. Great post! I definitely think everyone needs to take a step back and think about what they are saying. You can think it's harmless but just like you said words have a life of their own and once they are out there you can't just say "scratch that" it's there! Definitely some food for thought!

    xx
    Giovanna
    www.oliveandanarrow.com

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  6. I like to think that silence is golden and when those difficult situations arise and I know that whatever I say will be critical to the situation. I prefer to stay quiet, gather my thoughts and proceed with a clear mind. It works for me, thus far at least.....

    :)


    I have an Alexander McQueen DIY on my blog, come and check out out!

    www.houseofhemingway.com

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  7. Our words can either make us or break us. You are right, we must be careful what we say because it frames our world around us. Take a look around and see if you like the world you see because with our words we are either building or tearing down. As always, girlie, you give me something to think about. I remember plenty of times allowing "word vomit" to come out my mouth and with deep regret wishin'. I wish, I could take it back and no apologize or tears could fix it. However, it teaches me to take heed the next time. As always, Happpy writing, from your no. #1 fan.

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  8. I agree, we must be careful what we say....words can and DO hurt people. I was just reading an article in the NY times today about a boy who killed himself because his college roommate took a secret video of him kissing another boy in their dorm room. The roommate posted the video all over the internet and told everyone. We all need to be careful, because something we think is a "joke" could cost somebody their life. Thank you for this reminder, Vonae! Wonderful post :)

    xo,
    Ashley
    http://theleftfeelssoright.blogspot.com

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