Words have so much power to them. Think of the last time someone paid you a compliment or expressed appreciation for something you did. Think of the last time that you received a surprise text message of encouragement. Remember what those simple gestures felt like? What they did to you in your spirit, in your heart, and in your mind.
Sadly though, words get forgotten. Words spoken are remembered, but we don't always remember to speak those words. It isn't necessarily always our personalities that leave things unsaid, but rather our busyness. Our laziness, our lack of attentiveness. Our apathy. Our fears. Our lack of appreciation for the value of a kind word.
Tears are shed every day somewhere because of words left unspoken. An "I love you" or a "goodbye" never said. An offense never forgiven and restored. Wounds never healed. Lives can taken in desperation because of words of love, acceptance, and healing never given. Dreams can be left unfulfilled and passions left unpursued because words of encouragement and inspiration are left silent. Because they were never backed with an "I believe in you." Misunderstandings and quarrels often bruise relationships because of words left unspoken. Doubts and confusion can plague minds because a lack of words leaves them wondering where they stand with others. People get burned out and drained because of appreciation that was never given. Self-esteems can plummet and inflicted physical pain can be used mask the hurt of broken hearts.
The little girl cries in the restroom stall at school from the bullying and the criticism. The boy falls asleep at night feeling worthless when he fails and is told he'll never amount to anything. The woman can't bear to look in the mirror no matter what diets she goes on. The man spends himself day after day at the gym, hiding his insecurities behind the image he's been told every woman wants.
Because of words left unsaid. Because those broken hearts aren't told how much they're loved. That little girl isn't reminded how special and how beautiful she is when she's herself. Because the potential and the strengths aren't called out in that boy. Because that woman is never told how breathtaking she looks when she's laughing and how captivating she is when she smiles. And that man is never told that he's loved for his heart with all of its flaws.
Because words of love and acceptance and encouragement were never expressed.
Personally, I'm tired of leaving things left unsaid. I'm tired of the fear of people's misinterpretations. I'm tired of concealing feelings, respect, admiration. I'm tired of games of disinterest and pretending. Call me a rebel of convention, but it's the truth. I've lived in silence too long in the past.
If someone crosses your mind and you're praying for them, boost them and let them know. If you admire a quality or characteristic in them, call out that good in them. If you appreciate something a person has done or said, if they inspired you, tell them. Thank them. If you believe in someone, let them know you support them. If you miss a friend, reach out to them with a simple "I miss you" and make them smile. Send people encouragement. It doesn't take much to compose (and send!) a quick text message or to post on someone's FB timeline. Praise people to their face and behind their backs. Personally and publicly.
Like every time that you break convention, there's gonna be a risk. No matter how careful you are, there will always be someone who will misinterpret your words. There will always be someone who will take advantage of your heart when you're vulnerable. There will always be someone who will reject your encouragement and your friendliness.
But I still believe in seizing the power of positive words. Because I see myself faced with a choice. I can take the chance, risk looking like a fool, and having my heart hurt. Or I can play it safe and potentially miss an opportunity to touch a heart and make a difference in a life. For me, I count that worth risking my reputation and being emotionally hurt.
And the truth is, I believe vulnerability is a beautiful thing. Something that even when people don't choose to be so vulnerable themselves with their words, I've never heard unappreciated.
The important thing to remember is why. Why you choose to speak words that are often left unspoken. People won't always respond the way you expect them to or think they should. I've learned that some people won't even respond at all. And it doesn't necessarily mean that your words aren't appreciated or that you make them uncomfortable. Appearances aren't everything. So leave your expectations behind. Remember why you're choosing to reach out and say the things unsaid. It's to bless, and that blessing is regardless of how or if people accept it. Sometimes you'll simply be planting seeds that will be watered by others and flourish later.
You won't always be the right person to make a radical impact with your words. And you don't always need to be. It's the little things that put a smile on our face and make us feel a little better. You never know what people are going through inwardly and how much they might need just a glimmer of encouragement.
But there are people that the Lord's put in your life who respect you and admire you. People with whom you have an influence and an impact in their lives. Be deliberate with your words. To those people, your good opinion isn't just nice to have, it's truly important to them and needed. Those are the people who will keep you motivated as you watch. As you watch the positive impact of your words come to life. And when that happens... There's nothing greater than seeing God using you to bless, to encourage, to inspire. To see that the Lord is using you in the lives of people you love.
Count the cost. Take the risk. Accept that chance. Say the words left unspoken. Encourage, inspire, motivate. Take the time to reach out. Make a heart smile. Boost an ego.
Actions speak louder than words. There's value in silence. But neither are a good substitute for words that should be spoken. Words have power. Don't leave things unsaid, but put them instead to positive use.
