Friday, May 22, 2009

THE POWER OF WORDS







I believe words have power, whether they are spoken or read. I have only to think back to my childhood to remember how cruel words cut so deeply that, although the wounds are healed, there are still scars. When I hear the words to certain songs I listened to as a teen, I am swept back in time to a place, or a scene, or a certain smell or experience. Certain words I have read remain with me although I read them eons ago: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times", "To be or not to be, that is the question..."  Words carry great potential to bless, or to injure...

I have words in my studio which are really important in my life - words which inspire me to live a certain way. They remind me of the values I hold, of what I want to keep as the priorities in each day.  Of these words in my studio, "FAMILY" is my highest ranking value word. Whether it is my husband, my children, my grandchildren, extended family - family is irreplaceable. The times we spend together and the memories we build leave a legacy of love, laughter, security, caring, kindness, and so much more! My family is such a wonderful support to me... I do not know where or what I would be without them!

"HOPE, FAITH, LOVE" are three more values which I have opportunity to live out each day, both in the relationship I have with my God, and in meeting or communicating with family and friends. I want my days to be filled with the light of these words extended to others. 

"PEACE" is what I want to experience and be filled with - not anxiety, striving, fear, anger, sorrow, disappointment, or any other negative emotion that so many are struggling under now. In all of my circumstances, I desire to experience the deep peace that comes from knowing my life is more than the sum of this moment, this day, this year - I am in Good Hands.

There are 2 more (well actually 3 more) words I saw a while ago that I would have bought in a heartbeat if I were still earning a full time salary: "BELIEVE" and "GIVE THANKS". I want to believe that the dreams and desires of my heart will come to be, and I want to be reminded to give thanks each day for all I have been blessed with as well as for life itself.

What words reflect the values you hold? Do you have them posted somewhere to remind you of those values, especially in the difficult times? My hope for you is that you have peace and joy in each day, in spite of any difficulties you may be experiencing. :-)




5 comments:

Kim said...

Awesome blog entry. I have little hand-drawn pictures all over my walls that speak like words to remind me what is important. My walls are papered with chubby crayon-holding fingers' renditions of "family," "love," "peace," and "hope." Plus all the precious things you can't put into words...like the delight in a baby's voice squealing "Mimi" when he sees you. Or the smile I get when I think about you. You're the best, Mom. I love you. And all your words that ooze wisdom, love, kindness, gentleness, patience...

Anonymous said...

Yes, wonderful post. I should post some of these positive words around me.

Kim is right, you're the BEST! ;-)

Paz

Unknown said...

How would I know that you would have value words up on your walls??? Could you be my daughter???
I love you too - more than you will ever understand. Like I said, without you and the rest of our fabulous family, where would I be? I have been sooooo blessed and I am extremely grateful for our family's closeness! I can hardly wait until I can hug every one of your children close and have those long conversations with you and Kurt... soon, please Lord, soon!

Unknown said...

Paz,
You are one of the sweetest friends ever! I do believe that having those words where you can see them every day influences your thoughts and attitudes. I highly recommend doing even what Kim has done - crayon on plain paper. It doesn't matter what it looks like,; it matters what it says.Be filled with hope and peace, Paz. Have a great weekend.

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Joanne! ;-)

Paz