In our advanced medical society mankind
has created an amazing array of instruments that are used in healing. Some are large, expensive and foreboding. Others are small and sharp, and require great
skill in simply
manipulating them.
And the greatest instrument of healing
available to us is …
Our Words.
“Honest, heartfelt, well-chosen words have the
power to heal us and make us whole.” (That is
a quote from The Four Things that Matter
Most by Ira Byock, M.D.)
In our quest to develop good and
wholesome relationship we use words as our main tools. Often, misunderstandings can arise. Feelings can get stepped on. And the right words can help move us toward the emotions of
love and trust.
I remember when Carolyn and I were in the
beginning days of our relationship. As
she expressed it, my words to her offered healing, reassurance, emotional
support and a sense of trust and belonging.
A few years before we met she had come through a rather painful experience.
Words were very important, and so were
the actions to follow. I’m thankful she
accepted my words and my actions, for we are approaching our ninth wedding
anniversary.
The words we hear in everyday life can
have such a profound influence on us that words can raise or lower blood
pressure, elevate skin temperature, and enhance our concentration or disturb it
as we try and process the words we’ve just heard.
A quick example: During my days of being a youth minister, I had
it said to me once that “You are an accident looking for a place to happen.” Even thirty-eight years later those words
still have some sting to them.
Words can bring others back from the
abyss of despair and hopelessness.
I remember reading How to Win Friends and Influence People. Dale Carnegie tells the story of a poorly
dressed beggar he met on the street.
Considering his book and the principles he had promoted, he wanted to
throw this man a lifeline of hope rather than ignore him. He looked the man up and down and finally
said, “I like how neatly your shoe laces are tied.”
The very next day Mr. Carnegie’s
secretary buzzed him and said there was a gentleman waiting to see him. When Mr. Carnegie approached the well-dressed
and freshly shaved man he had no recollection of ever having met him.
The man finally spoke and said, “Perhaps
you don’t remember me. Yesterday, I was
at my wits end and was ready to go down and throw myself into the river. I decided to give it one more shot, and that
is when I met you. Your comment about my
shoe laces gave me a glimmer of hope that if I could do that one thing well,
perhaps there are other things I can do well also.”
Words have tremendous power. They can bring life to a lifeless soul. That is the main reason I have named my
imprint
Up-Words
Offering Hope, Encouragement,
Inspiration one word at a time.
When we speak the right word at the right
time we have the power to give strength, renew faith, rekindle hope and restore
a sense of dignity.
Will you speak some healing words to
someone this week? Feel free to use some
of these or think of your own.
You’re
going to make it.
We’re
going to be all right.
You Can.
You have
it in you to do well.
I believe
in you.
You have
been a major influence on my life.
You are
almost to the finish line.
You
inspired me today.
You helped
me when I needed it the most.
Words are instruments of healing.
P Michael
Biggs
Offering
Hope
Encouragement
Inspiration
One Word
at a Time
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