A Way With Words: What Women Should Know About the Power They Possess

by Christin Ditchfield

Delivering both solid biblical teaching and practical guidance, this book calls women of all ages to embrace and carefully steward the power God has given them through their words.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Womens, Christian Non Fiction

175 pages, Paperback

First published June 9, 2010

About the author

Christin Ditchfield (www.ChristinDitchfield.com) is the author of "What Women Should Know About Letting It Go" and 65 other books in a wide variety of genres, from educational to inspirational, fiction and nonfiction. She has also written dozens of best-selling gospel tracts, and hundreds of essays, columns, and articles for national and international magazines such as Focus on the Family, Power For Living, Sports Spectrum, and Today's Christian Woman.

For over twenty-five years, Christin has been speaking at conferences, retreats, banquets, and brunches, encouraging women who love Jesus, teaching them to walk with Him on a daily basis, so that they can experience a richer, deeper, more meaningful relationship with Him.

She hosts the internationally syndicated radio program, Take It To Heart! (www.TakeItToHeartRadio.com) and is a frequent guest on other national radio and television programs, including Family Life Today, Midday Connection, Dr. D. James Kennedy's Truths That Transform, and Live the Promise with Susie Larson.

A former preschool and elementary school teacher, Christin is also the author of many educational books and resources for children and their families, including the best-selling "A Family Guide to Narnia: Biblical Truths in C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia."

She holds a bachelors degree in Christian Leadership and a masters degree in Biblical Theology.

Christin blogs at www.ChristinDitchfield.com

Reviews

[Elizabeth]

I think the greatest asset of this book is the Bible Studies that were included at the end of each chapter. The reflection questions were thought provoking and the suggestions for Scripture memory/meditation helpful. I like how this book lends itself well to group and/or personal study and how the reader is encouraged to keep a journal. Furthermore, I think it is great that Ms. Ditchfield encourages the reader to slow down her reading and take time to apply what she's learning by spending a week with the Bible Study questions and Scriptures. I also enjoyed the way that she opened each chapter with an engaging story from her life or from Scripture. These made the book a pleasant read and helped illustrate the points well. I really appreciate Ms. Ditchfield’s honesty, transparency, and humility.

In spite of all of these good things, I think that the book could be improved. I liked the chapter on how words reveal what is in our hearts and would have liked to see that incorporated more throughout the book. I also thought that the Gospel message could have been more clear and that the book would have benefited from the use of more Biblical language (rather than talking about how my speech is going to shatter hopes, dash dreams or damage self-image--pg. 21). As Christians, we speak differently as a result of who we are in Christ. We are ambassadors and agents of reconciliation for God and His Kingdom. At times, our mission will require us to use Biblical words to "damage self-image". Take for example , "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23, ESV) or the fact that our "best deeds" are like a polluted garment or filthy rags (Isaiah 64:4-9). These things aren't said to protect our "self-image"; they're said so that we might know our deep need for a new identity in Christ.

Additionally, there were a number of quotes scattered throughout the text. I found these more of a distraction than an asset. Furthermore, there were times when they seemed to be at odds with Biblical truth like this one from Sojourner Truth: "If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again!" (pg. 10) Only Christ can restore this broken world.

Again, I think the most helpful portion of this book was the way Christin Ditchfield helps her readers think through the Scriptures pertaining to speech and asks relevant application questions. However, I have been more challenged by other books which were more Gospel-centered and focused more clearly on heart change.

Many thanks to Crossway for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!

[Kara]

Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! James 3: 4-5

Words are powerful. They can wound or heal, encourage or discourage. As women, our words have a profound influence on many, which is both an incredible privilege and an awesome responsibility. Making the most of our words for the Lord is crucial. That's what A Way with Words: What Women Should Know about the Power They Possess by Christin Ditchfield is all about.

"When our hearts are full of life and grace, our words will be too-a true reflection, a revelation of the One we live to serve." (p. 62)

"In any case-and every case-our goal is always to speak words that live, not words that die. Words that reflect the light of Christ, not words that increase the darkness." (p. 86-87)

Through the book, we learn about words that wound, heal, reveal, live, die, sing, cry, reach, teach and ring. Each chapter focuses on a particular type of words or use of our words, drawing from the Bible for examples and encouragement. Chapter 7 ("Words that Sing"), on worship, was my favorite. I love how Ms. Ditchfield pointed out that words of praise...of hope, truth, and faith...are a powerful weapon against Satan. She uses the example of Pilgrim's Progress when Christian goes through a dark valley in which hideous demonic beings whisper awful things in his ear that begin to overcome him. He's rescued when a friend comes alongside him and begins quoting Scripture to him, speaking words of hope, truth, and grace, forcing the demonic beings to flee.

In my opinion, much of the meat of the book is in the discussion questions and exercises at the end of each chapter. Doing these adds a lot of depth to the reading. They're quite thorough and thought-provoking. These also make this book ideal for a group discussion or study. I think going through the book with a group would be fantastic.

So, if you're looking for a good book for your personal Bible study time or to do with a group, A Way with Words would make an excellent choice...in fact, I'm considering using it to lead a group study myself. Thank you to Crossway for providing a copy for me to review.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

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[Carrie Brownell]

I read this book when it was first released and liked it so much and found it so encouraging and thought-provoking so as to keep it on my bookshelf for a re-read. It has stayed with me for a few of our more recent moves and these past few weeks I've been feeling convicted that it was time for a re-read!

Christin Ditchfield comes to the table ready to talk about words and the way we (as women, primarily) use them. She notes that women are particularly gifted with words and have the ability to persuade, build up, tear down, villainize and pursue truth and beauty with their mouths. It's true that we women can be exceptionally quick witted and not always so terribly thoughtful with the way we use our words.

I really appreciated the gentle, yet firm, reminder that I have an obligation to use my powers of speech and persuasion both wisely and well both online and in person. Packed with scriptural examples to back her up, Ditchfield tastefully and adroitly encourages her readers to be more gentle and prayerful warriors for truth and justice rather than to be rabid about Being Heard. This was a good reminder to yours truly. One can feel so anxious to "feel heard" or even just to "feel like one is making a difference" that sometimes we can take things too far with our words, driving the very people we care the most about far away from us in an effort to avoid the harm we are far too eager to inflict on others with our tongues.

God gave us the gift of speech and the gift of language. It is just that - a gift. One meant and needed to be shepherded and cared for as we proceed in life.

This is a great book for a personal read or even a group study. Ditchfield has her head screwed on straight and is full of grace with a commitment to truth. I highly recommend this read to anyone who needs a little reminder as to the power the tongue can wield. Meanwhile, I'm going to slip this little gem back on my shelf for a future re-read. I'm sure I'll need it!

[Ashley Wells]

Quick listen on audio. I didn’t really relate to this book as much as I would have expected though.

[Roslyn Royle]

I read this 'easy to read' book with my newly established church book club. I rushed through it to ensure i completed it before our discussion meeting. I really loved reading it and think it will be a good return read when i can really take time and soak up it's wise words and advice.
It is a good reminder of how our careless words, or absent words can be harmful when we can easily be encouraging and kind with careful words instead.
thanks Christin for this valuable resource I know i will return to again and again.

[Chanel]

I really enjoyed this audiobook. It was a short yet effective read illustrating how powerful our words can be, specifically how influential a woman's words can be in relationships. I really appreciated how this book prompts you to self-reflect. With biblical references in each chapter to emphasize its focus, this book brings self-awareness about the words we speak and how they can be either edifying or destructive. All in all, A Way with Words was a productive and thoughtful read.

[Bethany]

Nothing earth-shattering, but always a good reminder that we have a gift that can be used to build up or tear down. I want to always choose build up.

[Christina Jensen]

Read for Vistancia bibles rudy, so good and inspiring!