OUR WORDS

Our words are bigger than our mouths, travel faster than light and outlast our time. Words can discourage or inspire, wound or heal, build up or tear down. An unknown poet wrote: “A careless word may kindle strife; A cruel word may wreck a life/ A bitter word may hate instill; A brutal word may smite and kill/ A gracious word may smooth the way; A joyous word may light the day/ A timely word may lessen stress; A loving word may heal and bless." Solomon said it best: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21). Someone near you is fighting life’s battles at great odds. Look out for that person today. Instead of harsh words, speak words of comfort and encouragement to inspire them with hope.—Samuel Koranteng-Pipim