By Doug Creamer
Words of Encouragement
Our words have the power to lift people up or to crush them. The way we say our words and our facial expressions can communicate things that can affect someone’s day. Every interaction you have with someone, be it your boss, co-workers, customers, spouse, family members, service workers, or cashiers has the power to make or break someone’s day, week, month, year or even their destiny.
As a teacher, I am keenly aware that my words carry power. I have always been aware of what I said and how I said it. Was I perfect? NO! I missed the mark more than once. I remember once coming down hard on a kid who needed discipline. After praying, I realized I came down too hard. The next day, I took the student in the hall and apologized to him. He was stunned. “What? You are apologizing to me? I never had anyone apologize to me before.” We talked for a minute, shook hands, and returned to class. It changed our relationship in a very positive way.
I have seen how my words touched students’ lives. It isn’t always our words that make a difference. I had one student who took every class I taught. He asked me if I knew why he liked my classes, and I didn’t. He said, “I feel seen and heard in your room. You always answer my questions. You are always there if I need to talk.” In that case, it was my words and actions that made a difference in my student’s life.
Coaches also have incredible power in their words. I have sought out students who were at practice to talk with them about their job. I told the coach I was there, took care of business, then left. I have heard coaches speak inspiring words to build up their players, pushing them to reach for their potential. Sadly, I have also heard coaches spewing out profanity and speaking down to their players like they were worthless. I have often wondered if those student athletes thrived or grew up failing to reach their potential.
I wish we would stop teaching our children the lie that goes: sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” That terrible lie teaches children that their words will have no impact. We live in a society that constantly puts people down. I guess we think that our words will never hurt. Sadly, our negative and hurtful words may live in someone’s mind and heart for the rest of their lives.
Politicians smear each other. The entertainment industry makes putting others down a sport. Comedians encourage us to laugh at others. What happens to those people? Do we care what our words do to others? The Bible tells us that we will have to give account for our words. God is telling us that the things we say and the way we say them are very important to Him!
That’s why I want to live my life in such a way that I am building people up, not tearing them down. I love to catch my students doing something right. When I praise them, I get to watch their face light up. I see the smile of victory on their face, which encourages them and pushes me to work harder to help them grow.
I had lunch with a friend the other day and we talked about where we are in our lives and the things we are doing. We talked about some ups and downs. When I was driving home reflecting on our conversation I thought about how our ears play such an important part of any conversation. My friend listened and offered his perspective on some things I was dealing with in life. His words brought understanding, comfort, and encouragement because he listened. It’s not just our words but our hearts and listening ears that can encourage each other.
I want to encourage you to consider carefully the words that you say and how you say them. Your smile, your “thank you,” your “have a nice day,” your “I am here for you,” and your “I believe in you. You are going to make it,” might be the life preserver that someone needs. We all have the power to lift someone up, which in turn will help to lift us up. My pastor tells us that our words create worlds. Don’t you want to create beautiful worlds for others? Use your words wisely and be that source of encouragement that others need. Look for the good in others and help bring it out.
Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com
