It can slice your spine. It can elicit uproarious laughter. It can end an affair. It can also win you medals.
Do you know the power of a single word?
In his book “How to Write Short,” Roy Peter Clark, teacher of writing at Poynter, reminds us the most important messages are short.
Here are a few examples:
- “I do.”
- “Not guilty.”
- “You’re fired.”
- “I love you.”
A single word can destroy or ignite a fire in your spirit.
Taming the beast
Several weeks ago the pastor at my church talked about the way we speak to ourselves. We all have a weak spot. Most of us tend to strike that weak spot with our own inner voices.
I don’t know about you, but when I’m in the gym and I’m feeling particularly weak, I can say some pretty nasty things to myself to generate beast mode.
The problem is, this type of volatile conversation doesn’t stay in the gym, and while it generates a beast, it most definitely isn’t the kind of beast that produces good results.
Then he asked us to do the following:
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Think of one area in which you need encouragement.
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Select one word to strengthen that area. (For example, if you struggle with confidence, that’s probably a good word for you.)
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Choose a Scripture to support that word.
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Pray on that word three times a day, every day, for the rest of the year.
What to expect
I decided to invite a few close friends to participate, and they immediately jumped on board. We shared our words so we could encourage one another, and a few things have happened for all of us already:
- Tolerance has increased
- Goals have become more focused and new goals have been set
- Endurance has improved
- Will has strengthened
And I’ve re-opened this personal blog. Because I have a lot to share with you, too. I’ve been a hurting woman. I’ve been a happy woman. I’ve been a strong woman. Heck, I’ve even been Wonder Woman.
Take control
If you’re sick and tired of being controlled by negative inner dialogue, why not try this experiment?
If you aren’t a praying person, meditate on your word. Do whatever it takes for you to take control of your thoughts and your attitude and your actions.
One word is all it takes.
Fill out this form to join the journey.
Melissa J. Dixon 