“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.”
“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.” (Proverbs 18:21 MSG).
I don’t think any of us have been spared the pain of horrible words. Things spoken over us – some dripping with contempt, others meant for good but wrongly said, others just plain ignorant – that have brought a little bit of death into your life.
What do we do with those words?
Take some time today to think about all the words that have hurt you. Yep, it might be painful. Examine them, maybe even write
them down. Next to each saying that’s brought you death, write the opposite underneath. Something that brings life and light to the darkness. Then cross out the dead words. Reject them. It sounds corny, but I’ve done this many times.
“It takes discipline to choose which words to use and to choose which words will take up home in your heart.”
Powerful, two minute reads that have helped change the script in thousands of people's lives.
It takes discipline to choose which words to use and to choose which words will take up home in your heart.
But the more you exercise this practice, the easier it will become. Grace your way through it.
Hearing harsh words is never easy. I get emails and messages and comments from people attacking me and my ideas and my faith. I do two things: ask myself if there is any truth to their criticism. And often, there is a tiny bit in each one. A tiny bit.
Then I remind myself that attacking, hurtful comments usually reveal more about the pain and hardness of the heart of the person who said them, than anything to do with me. Then I pray (most of the time…haha!) for them. Cos hey “Be kind, everyone's facing a battle we know nothing about,” right?
And then sometimes, I cry. I ask God, why? Why can’t people see my goodness? Is there even any there?
And there is. In each of us.
You might need a friend to help you walk through some of the words, or a counsellor, or a psychologist, or some peace and quiet, a walk on the beach, a big bowl of hot chips, a steaming mug of coffee… whatever it is that brings healing and wholeness, pursue that.
Then with your words, spoken inwardly and outwardly, create the world you want to inhabit.
Written by Liz Milani
Lizzy, thank you for sharing this series on words. Very well said and I can see your heart in this. Strength and continued wisdom to you.
Your faithful reader and worshiper in Mississippi.
Allen
Thank you for guiding many readers and follower. Your wallpapers have inspired me and many of my classmates and enable us to surround ourselves with the Word of God!
I will keep on sharing your posts here in South Africa.
What a wonderfully healing post! Thank you for ministering peace and wholeness to us all! Sending love to you from Long Island NY, USA xoxo
Liz, thanks for this one. I love the idea of writing those words down and crossing them out. I'm going to try that, though I'm sure I'll find it difficult to write the opposite. It's hard sometimes to think positive of myself.
KATHI!!! Love you… I find it super to write the opposite, too! IT's truly a discipline. lol. You're not alone. AND you are pretty wonderful and amazing.
Liz xo