Those moments when words can cut like a knife or wrap us with a hug.  Words can leave us feeling attacked, misunderstood, misled, and also loved. 

I often give myself a reminder regarding the importance of choosing words carefully and thinking before speaking.  There are times when I believe we would surprise ourselves if we listened to the words we spoke and the tone in which we delivered our words.   

Before I speak I think to myself, “Am I being helpful?”  The last thing anyone needs is to be attacked with hurtful words or tone.  I have not found harsh words helpful in any situation. 

I choose my words carefully and listen to my delivery.  In part, I am very careful because long ago my husband and I were in the middle of a disagreement and he spoke to me in a way that was out of character for him.  When I said, “Please don’t speak to me that way.”  He replied, “But that is how you spoke to me.” 

I was horrified that I had spoken that way and immediately knew it was true.  I knew because my mind flashed back to when I was very young in the car with my mom.  My mom had said something in a voice that was less than desirable and I answered in the same voice. 

We had a similar dialog to mine and my husband’s, but my mom never believed she spoke with a hurtful voice tone.  My mom is one of the kindest people I know, so it was out of character for her too.  It was that exchange with my mom that taught me that we don’t always know how hurtful we can sound to others. 

I apologized to my husband for speaking to him inappropriately and asked him to let me know if I ever spoke that way again.  I believe our words and voice tone most often hurt the people we love.

Words are also often misunderstood.  In today’s world, texting can be both lifesaving and devastating.  It is so easy to quickly text something you are thinking and not realize how those words make the receiving person feel.  And yet in seconds one can reach out by text and spread joy making someone’s day. 

Words also have the power to be misleading.  How accurate is the information I am reading and hearing?  Am I taking the information at face value or am I doing my research to understand the information being introduced? 

As I filter through the abundant amount of words I hear and read daily I am careful to remember that information can be processed and interpreted in various ways.  That which is most important to me I do the research and find the facts myself.  I do the research so that I can better understand that which I find misleading. 

It is words that speak kindness and generate love and goodwill that are my favorite.  I ask in prayer for Jesus to speak through me, to provide me with the right words to use.  I don’t know what words need to be spoken, but Jesus does.  It is through faith that I know the right words will be spoken at the right time. 

It is my responsibility to choose my words and voice tone carefully.  To speak clearly avoiding misunderstandings.  And to filter through any misleading information.  I ask for guidance through prayer and rely on my faith.  Words are a gift if delivered in a meaningful way with kindness and love. 

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