The Ripple Effect- How Words Shape Our World
Water.
It’s such a necessity of life. Without water, we could not survive. All living creatures require it, all living organisms need it to grow, replenish, live.
Water’s fluidity gives it access to the most difficult and remote places. It adapts to its environment. Have you ever just watched the flow of liquid, how it easily maneuvers around rocks and trees? Everything in the garage when the water heater breaks? Yeah, that’s a fun one.
The natural sounds water makes when running down the stream bed, falling from the sky, washing over and over and over the shore of the sea can bring a sense of calm, comfort, peace, relaxation. We love to listen to it. We even record it. Heck, I have it playing through my Sonos even now as I write, “Nature Sounds”, and the ocean is in my living room. The sound can take us to beautiful places in our imaginations. Bring refreshment, healing.
Water is also a force to be reckoned with. I mean, have you seen the Grand Canyon? Entire towns have been devastated due to flooding. When a storm dances with the sea, the dance moves can become quite violent and dangerous.
I have found water to have many different personalities. Spring water, well water, rain, hot springs, snow, distilled, bodies of water that are fresh, the salty ocean water. All of these different versions of water have a part to play here on this earth. Fresh and saltwater provide very specific environments for a whole world of living creatures needing exactly what the water provides.
Words.
I would like to offer that words can be compared to water. Isolation and loneliness is not what we were created for. We are programmed for companionship, even if it’s just a small circle of people, ‘our tribe’. And a large component of relationship lies in the words we speak. Powerful words. Words that can bring life and death. We build and tear down with the same tongue.
Words cascade from our heart and pass through our lips so effortlessly. Some come gently, with a soft and caring tone. Some are playful, expressing joy. Others, well… they could carve out the Grand Canyon in another’s heart. It’s no wonder why the Bible has plenty to say about words;
Matthew 15:18, But what comes out of your mouth reveals the core of your heart. Words can pollute-not food.
Proverbs 18:4, Words of wisdom are like a fresh flowing brook, like deep waters that spring forth from within, bubbling up inside the one with understanding.
Proverbs 15:4, When you speak healing words, you offer others fruit from the tree of life. But unhealthy, negative words do nothing but crush their hopes.
James 1:26, If someone believes they have a relationship with God but fails to guard his words then his heart is drifting away and his religion is shallow and empty.
1Peter 3:10, Whoever wants to embrace true life and find beauty in each day must stop speaking evil, hurtful words and never deceive in what they say.
Holy Moly, this is just a small sampling of God’s opinion concerning our words. For the most part, I have perceived that one doesn’t comprehend the power that is held in the tongue, present company included. I personally lose sight of that reality more often than I care to admit. Think about it, though. We have been made in the image of God!! Let that sink in. You are made in the image of the God of the universe, the God who spoke the world into existence. You are made in that image- yes, you!!! That can be a little hard to grasp… scary to grasp. Your words, moment by moment, are doing more than speaking. Your words shape things within you, shape those around you.
And just as water has many personalities, our words also hold various temperaments for different situations. They have an immense part to play here on this earth, creating sustaining ecosystems. There are times our words are needed to be a soothing balm. There are times our words are needed to invoke courage. There are times our words are needed to be joyful, share in sadness, call to action, rebuke. There are times our words are to loudly declare love, sing and shout in celebration. There are times our words go to war, so to speak, and with wisdom, restraint and clear love for the others around us, they can fight honorably. Without, they can wreak havoc.
So, let’s ask ourselves these questions. Do we tend to find our words building up or tearing down? Do we think about the repercussions before speaking? (One of my biggest struggles here. I can either overthink or underthink it). Are we investing in those around us in ways that call out to the better of who they are, or are we speaking out all the faults and brokenness that those around us walk in, adding weight to the burden they already carry? And how do we speak to our own heart? What words do we say or allow in our innermost being, what words are we allowing to wash over our heart, constantly transforming its terrain?
I just want to leave this here. Sticks and stones can break your bones but words will shape your future.
Our words are powerful. Our words create, build, and they tear down. Let me just leave today with this last line from King David;
Psalm 141:3 God, give me grace to guard my lips from speaking what is wrong.
May this be my constant companion of a prayer. Blessings to you, my friend.