I can not tell you when my love affair with words began. I can say that ever since I can remember I've been a lover or words. Whether written, spoken or sung, I have always known that words contain power even before I knew how to articulate it.
I'm not the only one who thinks so. There are countless quotes out there about the power of our words:
“Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care, for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or evil.” Siddhartha Gotoma or Buddha (563-483 B.C.)
“Quite simply, what you say is the single biggest factor that determines your happiness.”
Irwin Katsof Executive Director Jerusalem Fund of Ashish HaTorah, author.
Irwin Katsof Executive Director Jerusalem Fund of Ashish HaTorah, author.
Kind words are a creative force, a power that concurs in the building up of all that is good, and energy that showers blessings upon the world. Lawrence G. Lovasik (1913- present) Clergyman
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue” wrote wise King Solomon, Proverbs 18:21
"Writing has an almost magical power: Words on paper, created by ordinary citizens, have overthrown governments and changed the course of history." ~ Joel L. Swerdlow
You get the idea. Many of us still feel the effects of words that have been spoken to or about us over the years. Likewise we have seen the effects of our words on others whether good or bad. Words have power and it's up to us to decide if we will use them for good of for evil, to hurt or to heal.
With this in mind, I have never been able to take the title "writer" lightly. While my words may not impact the masses, I realize they will impact whoever sees them and so I take great care in choosing them very carefully. My intent is always to bless and to build up; to encourage and to inspire. If I haven't accomplished these things, then my writing is in vain as far as I'm concerned.
Maybe this is why I shied away from the label for so long. Behind the title I saw the responsibility connected to it and I knew I lacked the maturity necessary to assume it. Now, however, I embrace it. I can't begin to describe the joy that rushes through me when someone tells me they were positively affected by something I said or something I wrote.
Yeah, words have power. They can cross barriers, bring understanding, right wrongs... power! Here's hoping more of us will choose to use our power for the good.
