The 1159: The Weight of Words (Pt. 1)

Weekly Recap

Hi! I hope you had an incredible week!!

If you remember last week’s email, life was a blur for me and I was trying to figure out what on earth was happening, as things were changing at an unprecedented rate.

Well, since that email, I’ve walked away from 2 major clients after praying it over and realizing I was NOT to move forward with these organizations in the capacity our contracts would have dictated. It was a step of faith I was hoping to not necessarily take, if I’m being honest. But I have to say, the confirmations I received after making the hard call were overwhelming and such an encouragement to the fact that “just because it’s easy [or is an open door] doesn’t make it right. And just because it’s hard, or seems crazy, doesn’t make it wrong.”

Make the hard decisions when necessary, it’s worth it.

Our Words Have Weight

Our words have immense weight.

More than we think they do, quite frankly. And they have the power to cause someone to do something truly amazing, or devastating.

Think about it. Has there ever been a time in your life where you were going to do something, but a friend or family member advised against it, OR where you weren’t going to do something but they advised that you should? And then you followed that advice?

Maybe it was a situation where you weren’t blatantly advised, but someone made a comment that made you second guess – or change – everything.

Just to let you know, you’re not alone. This happens to each of us. Everyday.

And I think it’s ESSENTIAL that we understand the power of words, ESPECIALLY as Christians.

This email is just the start to my unpacking these thoughts, and is more of a summary if you will.

…

Over the last year, I’ve been surprised by just how much words have impacted my life. Back in November, I was in nearly all-out depression. Not the normal feelings of depression that hit us from time-to-time, but like extra. Why? I observe that, put simply, it was because of words.

There are several types of communication that exist:

1. God to man (referring to mankind, both male and female)
2. Man to God
3. Man to Man

A simple example of this is music. Some songs are God’s perspective (or speaking) to man, while others are men/women singing to other men/women. Still others are man crying out and/or singing praises to God.

Well, music/singing is just one medium of communication. So is plain speaking. As is writing. Oh, and don’t forget, nonverbal.

When I think about it, we do two things with communication:

1. Omission (or Avoidance) of communication (to leave out, neglect, reject)
2. Engagement in communication (to have, listen, give, pursue)

And when I say I was struggling a bit extra in November, here is essentially what my comms chart looked like:

1. God to man; omission (neglect to listen)
2. Man to God; omission (neglect to to have/give/pursue)
3. Man to man; engagement (like fully)

My observation is maybe profound, but it’s this: to truly find joy, I must prioritize the words in my life. Both given, and received.

Even after saying all that, my reaction is to blame those around me for either not saying the words they should, or for saying the words they shouldn’t have.

After all, words hurt (whether given or omitted).

But at the end of the day, that list of communication categories (above) needs to be in the right priority… in OUR own lives.

When I think back to November, I realize how little of God’s Word I was reading and meditating on. I realize how little I was praying and in communication with my Father and Creator. And I realize how much I let my life (emotions, decisions, etc.) be dictated by the words of people.

So here’s the thing when making that conclusion; (1) that’s on me, not on anyone else. I own it. HOWEVER, (2) coming to this conclusion is such a gift! Because it helps me find some clarity and an action plan to getting back to that place where passion and purpose meet in a life fulfilled in Christ.

What does that action plan look like? For me, it’s simple, here’s a glimpse:

1. Prioritize INTENTIONAL time in God’s Word (Bible) everyday.
2. Prioritize part 2 of God’s will; pray without ceasing. Find that place of consistent, intentional communication with God, everyday.
3. (1) Guard my heart and mind from just any words or advice shared; measure everything CAREFULLY. (2) Seek to share words of encouragement and truth with everyone I speak with.

In short, PRIORITIZE words; given AND received.

And yes, it sounds obvious, easy, even simple. But the reality is, it takes intentionality. Whether or not the motivation or emotions or what-have-you are there.

So, to begin this brain dump on words and communication, I’m beginning with a reevaluation of myself, my priorities, and how/where I’m getting “words.”

Next step, is the practical application of sharing words with OTHERS and breaking that down a bit to better understand it.

…

Ok, these are just a few of my thoughts and I’m literally getting them on paper as fast as you’re seeing them. I’m going to call it quits here for today, but I have several other thoughts coming to me as I’m typing, so I’ll get them written up and sent in the next few weeks (MAYBE).

I’m super curious, was this helpful, or did this just confuse? I understand how my verbal processing can come across to others, and for the sake of everyone else subscribed to this email, I definitely want to refine to the point that it’s more helpful than not. So your feedback would be huge!

(And I know, I just harped on how powerful (good and bad) words can be, and then asked you to share feedback. The part I didn’t expound on a whole bunch was how important feedback is and why we should spend more time listening to it. So for now, just realize I SUPER value your feedback anytime you want to reply and let me know your perspective)

 

 

 

Have a relationship-rich week!

-DC

 

 

“Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” – C.S. Lewis