(I found an email for a book similar to mine in my inbox so I am using that as my copy exercise for praxis this week. It started with an 800-word article and then at the end, it had a short pitch for the book. This is an example of the email rewritten for my own book.)

Are Words The Ultimate Superpower?

The Power of Your Words.

Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. I remember chanting that at the neighbor kid when I was little. Too bad it was a lie. Words do hurt. They can make wounds that hurt more than any physical pain. These cuts can be there for years under the surface without use even knowing.

The Bible says in Proverbs 18: 21 (ESV). “Death and life are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

You may think, “Life and death? Well, that’s extreme. Words aren’t that big of a deal.” I’d beg to differ.

You often see people treat words like bouncy balls they just throw them around. Some here some there. Oh, it’s no big deal they’re just words. But, their words are more like bowling balls. They crash into people leaving real damage behind.

This verse is saying that if you use encouraging words, words that build others up, and are kind. You’ll bring life. Another verse says in Proverbs 15:4 (ESV) “A gentle tongue is a tree of life.”

But on the flip side, that same verse goes on to say, “But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”

I bet you can think of a time someone said something that hurt. Maybe it was recently, maybe you can think of a time back when you were a child and a friend or teacher said something that hurt you. Our brains hold onto those thoughts way longer than the positive ones that’s why it is so important to be intentional about what you let come out of your mouth. According to the *Harvard Business review for every 4 negative comments made to someone 20 positive comments must be made to negate them. Just think about that next time you and your significant other get in a fight and they don’t seem to have forgotten you for what was said even after the two of you apologized.

So, the question is what words are you using on a regular basis? Do you encourage people a lot? Or do you tear them down? Are the things you say kind? Or do you find yourself saying curse words? We’ve all heard the saying Garbage in, Garbage out. Most of the time your words and actions will have a lot to do with what kind of influences you let into your life. This includes people, movies, TV shows, and music. What language is used on a regular basis in them? What about your friends and coworkers? Maybe it’s time to go through your playlists and take out the songs that are no advocating Godly behavior. Maybe it’s time to distance yourself from that friend who cusses every other word.

In Psalms 101: 3 (ESV) it says, “I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.” I think it’s safe to say that applies to your ears as well.

Our words are powerful I see them as a superpower. If you use them for good you can completely make someone’s day. I work at a summer camp, here is one noteworthy thing that happened over the summer. I was having a rough day and it was getting late. We have long days at camp. I was working a table at our late night event that was making bracelets that represented the fruit of the spirit. A kid came up to me and said, “Hey I saw you dancing in the Caf.” (When I work the salad bar during dinner I can hear the music and can’t help but dance.)  I was a little embarrassed because honestly, I forget people are around and watching me most of the time and let’s be honest unless I’m ballroom dancing I’m not very good. So, I said something along the lines of, “Ha-ha, Yeah, that was me.” Then he looked me right in the eyes and said, “You have no idea what that means to us. Thank you.” It was simple. I didn’t know this kid or anything about him. If I saw him again I don’t know if I’d even recognize him. But the simple act of saying those few words made my day.

You have no idea the power your words can have on someone. In fact, one thing I have started doing myself is anytime I see that someone looks nice or I like something about someone I have a policy where it is basically my moral obligation to tell them. Even if it’s a total stranger I am passing on the street. This was not always easy when I first started but now it’s become second nature. I challenge you to try it! It’s always worth sharing something if it will make people smile.

So, we’ve gone over a lot today but there is still so much more when it comes to the subject of words. I hope you enjoyed this post and hopefully, you learned something new along the way.

Harvard Business Review* https://hbr.org/2013/03/the-ideal-praise-to-criticism

The Power Of Words For Teens Shows You The Influence Your Words Have Everytime You Use Your Tongue!

“I just bought Victoria’s book. The valuable insights and the enjoyable read are well worth the $10 you will spend on this book especially if your words have ever gotten you in trouble!” ~ Leslie Martin, Speech Coach, Owner, and Operator of Texas Best Window Cleaning. 

The Power Of Words For Teens uses the power of images, conversations, and experiences to help students:

• Realize the impact of their words on others and themselves.
• Use their words in positive ways.
• Improve how peers and adults treat them.
• … And much more!

Click the link below to get The Power Of Words For Teens e-book today for only $9.99!

The Power Of Words For Teens