The Legacy Of Our Words

The words that we use are powerful. While talking is natural, speaking the right words is not. It is even harder speaking words that will out last us. So how can we leave a legacy of our words?

Everyday women speak on average of 20,000+ words (some close to 40K) and most guys speak anywhere from 7,000-13,000 words during the day. Most of the words that we use on a daily basis, people do not remember. But there are some that are remembered well beyond our lives.

Throughout my life, my father has always made a point to make sure that he loves us. Anytime we see him he says, “I Love You.”

Every night after he prayed with us, he would say those words to my siblings and I.

To this day I practice this with my two boys. I always pray with them and tell them how much I love them. I also smother them with kisses. If you saw them you would see how much their cheeks scream, DADDY KISS ME!

I love telling them how much I love them and seeing and hearing them reciprocate that as they give me kisses and say “I love you daddy.”

Our words are powerful. It is how we communicate love, joy, hope, sadness, pain, hurt, blessings, cursing, encouragement and more. Our emotions often carry them (just saw Inside Out, Great Movie).

Legacy of our words

How do your children, family, and friends remember how you use your words?

Sometimes when we think of leaving a legacy of our words we jump to thinking of written books or great quotes. But it is often the daily things that we say that leave the legacy.

I shot out a question on Facebook regarding this topic. Here was my question. What is something that someone has said to you that you remember best? Here are some of the responses.

– “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.”
– ‘Don’t marry someone you can live with. Marry someone you cant live without!’
– “You can do anything you want to do.”
– “”You can stay where you are and be comfortable or you can step out in faith and do so much more.”
– “Let go and let God.” And I remind myself of it daily.”
– “I remember my Grandma’s last words to me.”
– “If you lay down with the dogs, you’ll get up with fleas.”

-“Never Give Up” my brothers encouragement to me when I was healing from a broken back and in a back brace for four months , was not easy but it encouraged me a lot.”

Those are some wise words of wisdom that have been passed on.

What does the Bible say regarding our words?

James speaks in his 3rd chapter about the power of the tongue. Even though it is the smallest instrument of the body it controls the whole body. Our words are powerful and have much control over our life.

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life, are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Proverbs 13:3 Who ever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Our words make a difference in the lives of people around us. Often it is something they are in the every day words.

Words of encouragement
Words of love
Words of affirmation
Words that bless
Words of wisdom
Words of instruction

Words that tear down and destroy others will not last, unless it is a negative legacy that you want to leave.

In Deuteronomy 6, words were used to provide instruction in the way of the Lord. These words were passed down from generation to generation.

Our words are powerful and used correctly and habitually are words that leave a legacy. These are the legacy of our words.

What are your favorite words that have been passed down to you? This could be words of wisdom, phrases from your parents or mentor, or favorite Bible verses.

Looking forward to hearing your words of wisdom.