The Power of Words

          When you think about words what comes to mind?  I didn’t really have a set idea in mind for what I thought about words because usually when someone asks you what you think of words it about a set of words in particular.  I was taught something really neat this week about words as I was doing my daily scripture study.  I do have to say one thing before telling you what I learned and it’s that I love the Pathway program through BYU-Idaho because it has helped me re-establish the habit and pattern in my life of daily scripture study.  If you haven’t heard of the program and are looking for a way to finish school, look it up.  It will change your live. 

            Now, speaking of something that changes your life this bit of revelation concerning words brought a whole new world to life for me.  As I sat studying my scriptures Monday morning I didn’t have anything in particular I was looking for, so I asked that if Heavenly Father needed me to know something that as I was studying it would stand out to me and I would recognize it.  It was amazing to feel completely open to His will.  Have you ever had a time when you were completely open to have Heavenly Father teach whatever He needed you to know at that point in your life?  Think about it for a minute. If you haven’t done it put it to the test, because it works.  Those of you that have done this, do you remember what He wanted you to know or to learn?  If you can’t remember read through your journals, and if you don’t keep a journal of some sort, start one because He wants to teach us and talk to us.

            As I sat there with my scriptures open, my study journal ready for whatever I was going to find, and my pen ready I began reading.  I began reading in Alma 30 at about half way.  I had read quite a few verses before something really stood out and if you remember this chapter, it is about Korihor the anti-Christ.  The verses that made me stop were verse 49-50.  They taught the power of words.  Korihor is seeking for a sign and Alma says the sign you’ll be given is to be struck dumb according to my words. “Now, when Alma had said these words, Korihor was struck dumb, …”.  As soon as Alma says those words Korihor is struck dumb.  Do you think words have power?  Do the words we say have an influence on our lives and the lives of others, as soon as we say them?

            Heavenly Father had me really pondering the words I use in my life, within my marriage and family, with my relationships, about myself, about others, and many other personal things.  Maybe as you read that you thought to yourself the same thing.  I thought what words do I use to describe myself?  Are they positive words or are they negative words?  What kinds of words are you using to describe the relationships in your life?  As these questions came to mind I quickly began jotting down notes and took some time to really think about what Heavenly Father was teaching me here.  He was teaching me how to use words as a powerful force for good in my life.  He was helping me to know how to look at the relationships in my life and things surrounding me.  I felt like He really wanted me to know how to be happy and that I could do it by changing some simple words concerning these things in my life.  Do you think by changing some of the words you use to describe some of these things in your life you could find greater happiness, peace and fulfillment?

            I have come to know this week and through some other insights that He and others have given me over the last couple months that this changes your life.  I have had a great peace and happiness this week as I have refocused myself into being positive in my words.  It has helped me to see the correction that Heavenly Father is giving me and changes that He needs me to make in my life.  I was pretty excited when I had these thoughts come on Monday, so as I continued to read this week the power of words was constantly brought up.  I continued to see how Alma knew and understood the power of words, God’s word especially.

            I too wanted to help my children understand the power of words, so yesterday we made posters with cutouts of them on a board and filled it with positive words about them.  Some of our friends call them “I am” boards.  They loved the activity and I did too as we discussed all the positive things we can feel about ourselves to help us be better people for others and ourselves!  You can try this too and I would recommend it.

            Heavenly Father is amazing how he teaches us to improve our lives and how he can make the revelation so personal it makes perfect sense.  I know He is aware of us and he uses the scriptures to teach us truths to help make us better people because as we become better people we become better Disciples of Christ and vice a versa.  I hope you all learned something knew or have a chance to try this and ask some questions.  It will change your life.  Have a wonderful week!