Words. Word.

Wow. Thirteen months. A lot has changed and a lot has stayed the same. It's funny how things can change in an instant in time or gradually over the course of a month, two months, a year, a decade...(you get the idea). Another thing that is funny is how we say that things are funny when they actually aren't (did you catch what I did there ;)) . They may be odd, interesting, or intriguing, but at least when I say "It's funny how..." it usually isn't really that humorous. Anyhow, I've been pondering the power of words, and I've come to the conclusion that the saying "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." really isn't true at all. Words will hurt you. They may break you, and they can leave wounds that never fully heal. They can also build you up to new heights and encourage you. They can express love, kindness, compassion, and a multitude of other beautiful things. It brings James 3:9-10 to mind:  

"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be."

Words have power, and don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. Your words can change someone's life. Recently, a handful of words changed mine. Words picked me up and dropped me. Then, they betrayed me when I tried to put together my handful of disconnected thoughts and express them. At this point, I should interject and clarify that the person who said these words to me is someone that I care about and who spoke honestly and out of a caring heart. If I (miraculously, weirdly, and rather dumbly) had the chance to change those words, I wouldn't unless the circumstances behind them changed. 

That's another thing. Circumstances, expression, tone, and a million other things can change the meaning, intent, effect, and result of words. They are a tricky sort, and they can just as easily (if not more easily) be misunderstood as they can express meaning, thoughts, or emotions. In fact, when it comes to thoughts and emotions, words never seem to fully express what you want. I'm always scrambling to find the "right words", but I don't think they actually exist. You can get infinitely close to the meaning you want to communicate, but, except for the most complete, simple, and straightforward things, it doesn't seem to get the job done. 

For example, you can tell someone you love them, but I don't think it ever means just that. It never does it justice. The recipient of that message can't understand the affection you feel for them, the heights and depths you are willing to experience for them, what you are willing to sacrifice for them, or your desire to protect them from all evil that the world wants to throw their way. To me, "I love you" means all of those things and more. This isn't to say that someone can't understand those things, but can they ever truly know the passion, the hope, and the desire that is tied in with those three words? When I say "I love you" (the real love, not the "I love popsicles" kind of love), it means so much more than it seems like it should be able to. It means that I will cross mountains to see you. I will protect you with all of my being. It means that I am yours. I will sacrifice the things I want to do for what is best for you. It means even more that I can't even put into words! Beyond that, it is a promise to show and express my love for them. After all, what is "love" without actions to back it up? An empty promise, disappointment, and distrust. (I think it's worth mentioning that I haven't said "I love you" in a romantic way for a long time, and I hope not to until I'm at least very seriously dating if not engaged/married. It's something that has become much more meaningful to me than it once was.)
  
Like I mentioned, words can also build and encourage. Earlier this summer, I received five letters from dear friends of mine that held some of the most encouraging words that have ever been expressed to me. I cherish them, and I read and remember them often. It is much too often that we use our words to express disgust, disdain, and frustration, and it isn't nearly often enough that we use them to encourage, show our respect, or express how much we care. If anyone is reading this (doubtful), I'm challenging you to be conscious of your words. I don't think I need to give you any examples because you have experienced the elation and disappointment that words can bring, so use them wisely. Have you shown your appreciation to the ones you love or only expressed disappointment for (probably stupid) things? Take James 3 to heart as well as Colossians 4:6:

 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

and Philippians 2:14-16:

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”^[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky ¹⁶ as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

Here are some words to music! Fancy that!  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0YP6S7Nq0k

and with that, I bid you good night.