I was listening to the radio and the song “Speak Life” by TobyMac came on. Although, I’ve heard it several times, I had never actually listened to the words.
Look into the eyes of the brokenhearted;
Watch them come alive as soon as you speak hope, you speak love
Lift your head a little higher,
Spread the love like fire,
Hope will fall like rain,
When you speak life with the words you say.
Raise your thoughts a little higher,
Use your words to inspire,
Joy will fall like rain,
When you speak life with the things you say.
Well it’s crazy to imagine,
Words from our lips as the arms of compassion,
Mountains crumble with every syllable.
Hope can live or die.
All of those lyrics were literally shouting out at me. We talk about doing acts of kindness a lot, but do we realize that the words we say can make a huge impact as well?
It’s often difficult to continuously speak words of love in the midst of all the hatred and negativity surrounding us today. Whether its conflict with a coworker in the workplace, watching the news or even driving on the highway – challenges face us every day.
In James 3:1-11 we find God’s powerful message about taming the tongue. “The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.” And, “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?” Our ability to speak is a gift from God. How we use it is our gift to God and one another.
Jamie Williamson, Director of Human Relations
