Words

(For some reason, I’m reminded of this now.)

Last December I ventured to Lima, New York, to meet a few dear friends who attend Elim Bible Institute. This particular week at the college was full of fun festivities before their winter break. After a day of good fellowship we all gathered in the chapel auditorium to watch what the student hosts' in jest called “The Abilities Show” (because there may be no talent involved). Most of the students who performed were indeed extraordinarily talented, whether their acts were laugh-out-loud funny, poignant, lovely, or entertaining. If an act was considered to be sub-par, lacking not only talent but also ability, the “gong” (a PowerPoint recording of a guy shaking his head like a dog with an annoying high-pitched noise) would sound and the act would end. There were few gongs.
One of the acts that stood out in my mind was this girl who read poetry. She read two poems in front of the large crowd, and she was obviously nervous. But despite whatever fear she had battled, the messages of her words came through as living and active. The first poem was very personal, about God breaking through the fog of her life. The second, in my opinion, was even more powerful. She spoke about how important it is to respect words, because they can cause so much damage or bring about so much healing. She also addressed the fact that many people treat words like common things that can be thrown around carelessly, and she urged people to see them as precious and strong, full of meaning and power. That second poem, albeit very short, was amazing to me. Words—a precious commodity.
I was taught by one of my favorite teachers, Andrew Bajus, that what we confess with our mouth has an impact on the world around us. Language is one of those gifts from God that influences our mind, body, and spirit. The Bible says so much about that, but I thought it was amazing to hear it in someone’s deeply personal poetry. It inspired me, to say the least.
Am I being careful with my words? Are they blessings or curses? Is everything that I say/write producing good fruit?

Beginning this blog makes those questions fresh and I’m reminded of the need for such introspection.