The power of words is profound. They can lift people up, a kind word, a rousing sermon, an admonishment to the better part that resides piecemeal within each of us.
But they can also knock people down, a harsh word, a label or stereotype, a personal attack exposing the lesser parts that also constitute each of our basic propensities.
We live amongst word's energy, empowered to make the choice of which we use, and yet we often fail to see that choice in real-time, or to take responsibility for that choice.
And yet, you own your words. Or they own you.
As a writer I love words, and I honor their power as much as I can. As a survivor, I know their power to hurt on both sides.
For whether we like it or not, the emotional trail of our words is beyond us once they are created. The context of one expression, still plays upon an unforseen reader within their own personal context of consumption.
If we disrespect the power of words, or become lost in the moment, their power can overtake us. Grudges or discrimination, and games about who is right. Speaking in code, and riling our masses.
If we respect the power, however, the result can be quite different. For words allegedly denote a specific, limited meaning, and yet the reality is far different isn't it?
Don't words also connote intent? Isn't the true power of words, the energy their creator puts behind them, whether consciously or unconsciously?
We argue over specific words, and yet within each breast their is the reality of our intentions, pouring out of us, motivating the words, and giving them both their real context of creation and their resonant power.
That power we can't avoid.
So the next time you're in a rush to say or write something, consider whether those words truly represent the intentions of your heart, which is ultimately your true source of power.
Use your conscious heart to respect others, and the words will power themselves.
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