The power of our words

One of the things my husband and I like to tell our kids is that they are “God’s special chosen ones” for us. For example, we tell Tim on a regular basis: “You are our God’s special chosen son – our precious big boy!” With Rysse, we tell her “You are God’s special chosen daughter – our little princess!” (Though my husband prefers to use “gorgeous” instead of “princess.”)

Of course, there are days when our words are not as affirming or accepting. There are moments when our voices are more raised than they should be. There are times when I wince and wallow in guilt after realizing how much I have hurt our kids with my words (and sometimes, lack of them).

Words can hurt or heal.

Let’s face it – our words are powerful. They can “make” or “break” a person. As one of my favorite Catholic lay preachers, Bo Sanchez, says in his inspiring, life-changing article entitled Change Your Words, Change Your Life:

“Words have power. Words created this universe… Everything started with the Word. The Bible says, ‘In the beginning was the word.’ In the same way, your words have creative power.”

Bo wrote another article about How To Use Your Words To Create Your Reality, where he encourages people to use their words to direct their future. He wrote: “Don’t use your words to describe your reality. Use your words to create your desired reality.”

He also talked about “faith words” and why they work:

• Faith Words affect your emotions in a positive way.
• Faith Words – repeated again and again – create new neural pathways in your brain.
• Faith Words also train your Reticular Activating System (RAS) to be attentive to see the blessings you desire.

And, one of Bo’s favorite explanations:

• Faith Words aren’t just mere positive affirmations; they open your life up to the supernatural power of God.

There is a scientific term for this actually; it’s “neuro-linguistic programming” (NLP). Basically, NLP is an approach to psychotherapy, self-help and organizational change. According to Wikipedia, NLP founders Richard Bandler and John Grinder claim that NLP is “capable of addressing problems such as phobias, depression, habit disorder, psychosomatic illnesses, and learning disorders, and helps people attain fuller and richer lives.”

The power of our words – they can make or break you and others.

However you call it though, one thing is true: The words you speak today can make a difference – in your personal life, your family life, and in the lives of the people around you.

So what are you waiting for?

Tell your spouse today how much you appreciate all he or she does for you.

Tell your children how much you love them – just because. 

Tell your parents how grateful you are for all they’ve done for you – after all, they did cooperate with God to bring you into the world. (If they’re still alive, do this in person as much as possible. If not, whisper your words through a prayer). 

Tell your extended family members – especially those living abroad – how much you value them and pray for them.

But don’t stop at your family – use your words to bless the world!

Do all this because of ONE THING – love. When you use your words to show others how much God loves them, you’ll be building God’s Kingdom – right here on earth.

After all, LOVE ROCKS! Check out this video below to find out more (incidentally, that adorable little boy in the video is our 5-year-old-son Tim, hehe!):

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are endless.” – Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Nobel Peace Prize winner and founder of Missionaries of Charity

P.S.

Do you want to be blessed by the words of Bo Sanchez and other inspiring lay people in person? Don’t miss the “Glory To Glory” Kerygma Conference (KCon) 2011 this November 18-20! Dubbed “the biggest inspirational conference in the country,” KCon 2011 promises to be another life-giving, “heart-changing” event! For more information, log on to www.kerygmaconference.com.

Or maybe you just want to be inspired by the King of Kings Himself? Our Catholic community’s “mother” community, Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon, is holding the CATCHFIRE Inspirational Rally on November 20 at the ULTRA. With the theme “One King, One People, One Mission,” around 6,000 people will be gathering to “catch fire” – and be refreshed, empowered and inspired – just in time for Advent! Log on to www.catchfirerally.com for details.