I was the smallest guy on the block; had to learn to talk, and fast.
It didn't matter your size so long as you were smart and could think quick on your feet. Even in today's society we prefer one who is quick with wit to one who is superior in size. Growing up (even into college), you were good if you could put someone to shame using your words. We'd all wait for the perfect opportunity to let someone have it or tell someone off, not knowing that we might be doing significant damage.
Eventually I began to understand that my tongue wasn't just for telling the bigger kids I could stand my own ground, or letting people know I wasn't to be messed with and would let them have it; was to be used for helping others see what they couldn't see.
To try and get folks to encourage themselves.
Lord God, help us not to poison ourselves. Amen.
I recently had lunch with an old buddy of mine who is constantly putting in work towards his dream of being an actor. He is an actor, yet at the same time he must continue to pursue opportunities and make moves in order to keep his career alive and well. Over lunch he mentioned a friend of his who is into the same line of work but has a lot of self-doubt issues tied to something that happened in their past. No matter how much encouragement you give them it doesn't seem to do any good. What's kind of bizarre too is that a lot of people don't pursue their dreams for a number of reasons including their financial situation. Wouldn't you think it strange for someone to have the finances to propel their dreams...and the only thing holding them back is the way they think of or view themselves?
Truth be told this happens to all of us each and every day. Whether it's the words we speak to ourselves/over our lives, words we hear from others, or simply thoughts that come as a result of our surroundings, we must be careful as to what we feed on, for that becomes our nourishment, or lack thereof. Specifically, we're going to focus on the power of words/our tongue and how this can go a long way in setting us up for success or failure.
Truth be told this happens to all of us each and every day. Whether it's the words we speak to ourselves/over our lives, words we hear from others, or simply thoughts that come as a result of our surroundings, we must be careful as to what we feed on, for that becomes our nourishment, or lack thereof. Specifically, we're going to focus on the power of words/our tongue and how this can go a long way in setting us up for success or failure.
Some time ago this clip popped up on the interwebs of a little girl going over her daily affirmations:
Science has shown (psychology in particular) the effect of how we think and see ourselves in connection with how we are perceived by the world. It's like getting a haircut, knowing that you're looking and feeling fresh/new; others see you the same way.
What about our words?
20 Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach;
good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.
21 Words kill, words give life;
they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.
Throughout the sacred text known as the Bible, there are (too) many (to count) mentions of how words have power. More notably it is the tongue which gives power to these words. Ever know anybody (I'm sure you can think of someone right now) who is always talking in a negative manner? Everything they do or say has such a dismal overtone to it. If you wanted to rain on someone's parade all you'd have to do is send this person to where said "parade" is being held.
Another example, is with kids growing up and any time someone is attempting to do, produce, be something or someone better than what they currently are. It's usually a lot more helpful to have affirmation that you can do, you will be, in due time...versus always hearing how you can't, you'll never be, and/or you're wasting your time. Just yesterday I had a conversation with a young man who is coming into maturity (aren't we all). I never doubted. Surely there are some who might say, "I was worried about you". This was my immediate reflection.
There's nothing more rewarding than to see someone grow. Even if it's over a short period you never know how much you can impact someone's life by being there. Jesus was different because he used his presence to an advantage. Without healing, teaching, or forgiving sins the work of justice, truth, and love was having a foundation laid for it.
You see, it's not the powerful and miraculous things that cause people to change but the everyday consistent efforts of good-hearted people who want nothing more than their fellow man (inclusive) to reach fully their God-given potential. That makes you more patriotic than wearing a sticker, pin, or saying a pledge. It's in that instance that you not only support your own but also reflect your own. #humanity feeling humbled
The thing is these words can come from other people as well as yourself. We don't necessarily have control over what other people say and do, but we do have control of those we allow ourselves to be around. They say if you want to be successful hang around successful people. If you're in a group of folks and you're the "smartest" what are you learning? Always have a set of people or at least a friend who pushes and challenges you to be better than what you are (for some of us we call those mentors). In addition to that pay very careful attention to what you say about/how you view yourself. When things get hard say, "I can do this." If you can't do it alone, you know someone who can help, just don't allow yourself to be defeated.
Most self-help, do it yourself, get rich quick plots, and on and on and on have religious/moral roots because they come from universal truths. Universal truths essentially are what they sound like, truths that hold for any and everyone no matter what walk of life you come from or what you believe. That's the good thing about them, they are non-exclusive.
In the book of Proverbs (a good book for anyone to read if they want some wisdom) 18, verse 21 says in the paraphrased Message Bible, "Words kill, words give life; they're either poison..." and you can refer a few paragraphs up for the rest. Another way to read that is this: Life and death lies in the power of the tongue. The question then becomes, what type of poison (if any) are you going to choose? Being positive, speaking positive, and thinking positive doesn't guarantee troubles won't come your way, but it does give you an advantage. Be for real, if you think you can't, you won't.
Some days we might not be able to get away with choosing "fruit" all day long. I've had those days. No matter how positive and upbeat you are, there's something that may cause you to doubt for a second. If you must pick your poison, choose wisely.
Why?
The quick skinny:
- The way you speak, think, and act determines how you live.
What does this mean for me? #theReader
Be mindful of the words you speak, to yourself and others. In some research it's stated that one negative phrase or word needs 3 positive ones to cancel it out. Karma is real. When you least expect it the seeds you plant will bring an unexpected harvest at just the right time (i.e. when you need it).
For further insight: Read- Auto Tune Your Words, It's Heart to Tell the Truth, Taming the Tongue
For further insight: Read- Auto Tune Your Words, It's Heart to Tell the Truth, Taming the Tongue
This is F.U.N. (For Ur Needs) Use your KEYS
- Know there is great power in your words
- Expect others' words to affect you
- Your spoken words reflect your inner heart
- Stay committed to choosing fruit
Challenge
- Go a day without speaking negatively; give some fruit away
Bob Ya’ Head
Encourage Yourself (Donald Lawrence ft. The Tri-City Singers)
