Words kill, words give life; they are either poison or fruit - You Choose (Proverbs 18:21)
Very often, we do not give thoughts to the words we speak. Rather, we pride ourselves in being open, frank, bearing out our minds and all. I have found myself being purposeful with my speech and I have also been found being brash, not caring about the impact of my words. More often than not, the resulting outcome of my brash moments have been adverse, tearing other people down instead of building them up. In my moments of reflection, the power of words hit me really hard.
HOW?
You see, when I was about starting Junior High (Secondary) School, my eyes were fixated on a particular school and although I wrote entrance exams of some other schools, I maintained a stance as to the school I wanted to attend. I recall that at the start of the school session, I was yet to receive my admission letter and during this waiting period, one of my elementary (primary) school teachers suggested that I proceed to complete Grade 6 (as I was aiming for Junior High School from Grade 5, which was the norm during my time). I told the teacher “Thanks, but no thanks”. I never faltered in my belief about my admission into my desired school and shortly after the incident, the admission letter arrived in due time for my resumption at the school.
I recall while at the University also and given the reality of the employment market, numerous friends used to mutter that getting jobs after graduation would be difficult, but I had a different viewpoint. Fast forward to post-graduation, getting a job proved to be an easy feat for me.
Reflecting further on my sojourn outside my home country, I narrowed my desired country to only Canada. As at the time, I was not aware of the Canadian immigration process and for a long time, I kept muttering this country to myself. When the opportunity to immigrate to Canada presented itself, I discarded the notion as I thought to myself that the process was too daunting. God, however, knew the season was appropriate for me to make the move and he cleared the way despite my reluctance. Today, my family and I have been in Canada for four years without any regret.
Of all the experiences highlighted above, one thing is clear and that is - the words we speak carry power within them and can shape our lives and experiences. That is why it is important for us to guard our hearts with all diligence for out of them flow the issues of life. Be purposeful about your thoughts and utterances; and with your hope in God, the lines will fall unto you in pleasant places.