Power of Words

At a workshop with authors, one author claimed that she can go on Twitter and not like what you say, but you better not like what she says. Therein lies the problem. We all believe that someone must listen or read our words, but we do not have to listen or read the words of others. We have become arrogant with using our own words and the words of those with whom we agree and ignorant to the words of others to whom we disagree. The reason is that words are powerful.

I get it. We all get in the battle of words. The leaders of our country get in battles of words and the intent of their meaning every single day. I get in battle of words with students and vice versa. What we all have to learn is that words are powerful, and maybe, just maybe, a whole lot more of grace is needed with everyone. Maybe instead of arguing, we need to listen, ponder, and be very slow to respond.

In James, it talks about being quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to become angry. If we would be more intent on listening, then maybe we would not allow words to penetrate us so that we silence others from using their words. In America, we have freedom of speech. With freedom comes responsibility. Just because we have freedom to speak, doesn’t mean we are not accountable for what we say. How we respond to others will reveal how we listen and how we respect others, which reveals how much we respect ourselves.

If we can allow others to use their words to get their message heard, then others will listen to us. it’s called conversation. We need to have more conversations and less lectures. We are taught in as teachers that lectures are only useful when they go for about ten minutes. We have been taught that we need to find other strategies to use to teach our content. Students tune us out when we lecture. Adults tune out when people lecture, but in a conversation, people listen because they are waiting for their turn to talk.

So, for that author, she has the right to write whatever words she so desires. She can say what she desires. We have the right to read and listen or to not read or listen. We also have the right to refute her words with love and grace. It all comes to how we respond that reveals our love for God, others and ourselves, and that is what is most important. Love. May we all show more love today than we do anger and hate. It will make the world a much better place because love and grace are two of the most powerful words that we have.