In Others’ Words: On the dotted line

 I keep a basket on one of the shelves in my office closet. In that basket I keep cards I’ve received from friends or readers or other writers. Words of encouragement that have blessed me, sometimes at just the right moment, when doubt pressed in on my dream or my sense of self. People took the time to say something to me … and to sign it … and I’ve kept the cards because their words made a difference.

The power of words — it’s talked of, written about … and yet, the way our words can influence someone for good or bad can be so quickly forgotten.

But what if I had to write down everything I said today? And then sign my name on that document in a “Yes, I said all of this today. I meant every single word I spoke.”

That act would give me pause.

The words I spoke — every single one of them — would be weightier because they would be scripted in black and white, ink-bled onto paper, in a for better or for worse kind of way.

No disappearing into silence, supposedly forgotten.

The reality is, even when the words I speak are over and done with, the echoes of them — be they blessing or curse — linger in someone’s heart and mind. Words of encouragement may fuel someone for the rest of the day. Or the week. Or even linger on into years. Words dipped in anger or bitterness or unkindness? Those too can shape a person’s day — or their life.

In Your Words: If you were asked to sign a written transcript of all you said yesterday, what portions you would want to mark out with a black Sharpie? What parts would you want to highlight? Who can you bless today, “writing” a word of encouragement on their heart?

Sign on the Dotted Line: The Weight of Our Words #lifequotes
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Hearing the Echo of Our Words #lifequotes
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