a force to be reckoned with
Words really do change the world.
Words, in fact, are what created the world. God didn’t just think it all into existence. He spoke it. “Let there be…” And there was.
And as creatives fashioned in His image, our words have that same creative power.
Our words are a force to be reckoned with.
Words spoken, written, sung, signed…
History recounts example after example of words changing culture, popular thought, belief systems…
Martin Luther and Martin Luther King Jr. come to mind.
So do Nelson Mandela, Bono, and Joshua of Old Testament fame.
Words change the world by changing hearts.
Those amazing communicators who shaped history (as well as the future) did so by finding new and innovative ways to put words to their thoughts. And in doing so, they connected with people’s hearts.
Hearts changed.
Communities changed.
Cultures changed.
The world changed.
I’m not naive enough to think I am destined to change the world. I’m not foolish enough even to think that I could. Or should. But this much I know is true:
I want my words to change hearts.
The ripple effect that hopefully occurs after that, isn’t up to me. It’s only mine to skip the stone…
When I think about the kinds of words it takes to truly influence positive change in people’s hearts, I see some recurring themes…
Truth.
Vulnerability.
Passion.
Love.
Humility.
Wisdom.
Authenticity.
So those have become my goals.
I strive to communicate my heart with truth, vulnerability, passion, love, humility, wisdom, and authenticity.
And if mine is the only heart to be changed in that pursuit, perhaps that is all the world-change I need.
: : :
Today’s post is part of an intentional conversation about “Communication That Changes the World.” Join the convo. Write a post, tweet about it using the hashtag #SpeakForAChange, and come back to link your post below.
@tonyjalicea says:
SO much wisdom in that last line. You are an inspiration, Alece.
@CindeeSnider Re says:
Love, Love, Love this post, Alece! Your words are spot on, and absolutely what a watching world needs to hear, what we all need to live out: “truth, vulnerability, passion, love, humility, wisdom, and authenticity.” Thank you for encouraging and inspiring me today.
@dtasticAli says:
You have such wisdom and love . Thankyou so much . this was just what I needed to read today . God bless you . I think you’ve already begun to change things by your blogs ripples
@atangie says:
your words have changed my world.
@traceepersiko says:
Your words have changed the hearts of many! I love that you have forever changed the hearts of people on multiple continents – A people, and a SA, that will NEVER be the same because you were there in the most forever way!
Thank you for changing mine
i just have to say again, Alece, that your words have helped my heart and i appreciate your authenticity so much. thank you.
Usually the ones you want to hear from the most are the ones who know better than to speak before their time
This is beautiful Alece. Looking forward to getting to know you better now that you’re my google+ buddy too!
Hmmm … This whole conversation has stepped on my toes in one surprising way (and it has nothing to do with speaking from a stage!):
I’m far too flippant with my words. Whether with my family, over coffee with a friend, or checking out at the grocery store, what I say DOES impact. The knowledge of the impending ripple should change what I throw in the pond.
Thanks for sharing your heart so beautifully.
@amykiane says:
I’ve been struggling with this lately. What does God want me to do with the words He gives me to write when I just have a little blog with few followers. I think most struggle with wanting to reach as many as possible. I needed to hear this today Alece. That no matter how many read them God will use the words He gives me. Thank you.
Amen! It’s all about the heart. When hearts change amazing things happen!
The words from your heart become the words of the soul. God is leading you into something amazing
every time i read your words i am so very very proud of you. count that as a ripple.
@brooklynspeaks says:
Great post! Right there with you friend… Words are not valued near enough today. Think about our word “love” for example. We use it to describe how we feel about God, our family, our friends…and cheeseburgers! Ha! There are 4 different words in the Greek language for our one word. I think it’s in part because they had a value for words and understanding of their weightiness.
@marjie216 says:
Read this recently, and thought it was appropriate to share. On words dividing and attaching:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2011/07/19/138473791/words-hurt-the-world-poet-says?sc=emaf
I thought of 2 words not on your list. But, you did say this is an “intentional” conversation.
Intentional
and
Transparency
Beautifully put. The tongue has the power to speak life or death. Only one or the other. One day we each will also give account for every word we’ve spoken. You would think that I would be getting better at thinking before I speak. I recognize I’m still a work in progress.
@lipeneumann says:
Words can be used either for mending or breaking hearts.
Once worded right, they can either bring hope or despair.
Our words have a huge effect on everyone around us… we must resist the urge to bring pain through our speech to those that bring us hard feelings and bring light to their hearts instead, for only with love and understanding they’ll be able to change the world as well, even if it’s their own small world.
I love this. It’s not taught or said enough. Words are creative and so it’s important what you say. I’ve been teaching my son this truth. Glad you wrote it for the world.
i love you and got really inspired by this blog. it spoke HUGE things in my life.
@SimplySplendid says:
This was so so good. Thank you!
@PBbgzWaSGJjfySplVou says:
That’s cerlaed my thoughts. Thanks for contributing.
@PBemnnOQcGubvxv says:
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