Words

Words. Words build up. Words build down. Words are remembered. Compliments are given and remembered throughout the day. Sharp remarks are remembered every time you fail. Words are powerful. And words can be misused.

Caustic, sharp, and unfeeling. The angry words cut through a heart that was already fragile and craving for a kind, loving word. Instead, she got the mean words that she remembers forever, in her highest and lowest moments. She didn't deserve them and even if she had, there was a better way to portray the message given, but instead a person responded with little thought as to what would happen when the girl heard the words and how they might affect her.

A cheerful compliment, given off the cuff, but absolutely genuinely. It makes her glow, feeling good about herself for the first time in weeks. It was not a big deal, just a small compliment but it made her feel happy, appreciated, and noticed. She no longer slipped in the background but shone like a star. The bad Monday turned into a happy one, simply because someone complimented her on her smile and how that smile made the day better.

Words are so powerful. The Bible talks about the tongue as a powerful tool. The Bible warns of the destruction a foolish tongue can do, and the Bible talks about the way the tongue can be uplifting.

Words heard in a whisper. Words that were never supposed to be heard by THAT person. Words that were untrue and totally unnecessary. The gossip mill is rampant, spreading a sick lie that was never meant to be shared or heard. When the person being talked about walks by and realizes they are the topic of conversation and the conversation was anything but uplifting. The feeling of disappointment, loneliness, and hurt. When did it become all about the drama and how much drama could a person talk about. When did it change to wanting to tear a person down.

Words hurt. Words soothe. Words words words. Choose them carefully. Words make or break a day. Be careful what you say. People are listening and they are being affected by the words you say and how you say them.