Language Is Power
I’ve heard the expression “knowledge is power.” Honestly, I agree. When you know the facts about something, whether it’s from experience or diligent study, you are able to have intelligent conversation or work in a given field of expertise. People graduate from college and do this all the time.
It’s more than just having knowledge, however. Language is also power. A person may not have been educated at a top college, in a given subject area, but certainly have experiences that lends itself to having intelligent conversation on many subjects, even if they aren’t an expert!
Take for instance, the platform of a political figure. While a person may not know all the details about what a person stands for, he may still know enough to have conversation. Therein, even if his perception is skewed, he can still intelligently converse with another and perhaps through conversation, be convinced his perspective isn’t accurate and there is nothing wrong with that! Or conversely, his opinion may change the perspective of another!
We all have something to share, and truths are discovered through the unique quality of humans, called language. Words have a lasting impact. That’s been proven over and over again. Even in the realm of abuse, there are those who would say emotional abuse—words spoken to bring pain through humiliation, degradation, shame, etc., have the power to destroy a life forever! Words are as powerful as drugs on a person’s spirit!
In conversation, it’s what each person brings to the table that forms thoughts, opinions and understanding. It by no means suggests you can positively convince someone of something they choose not to believe, but persuasion is a form of power given us when we use it correctly. Discussion is where awareness grows, and an opportunity to view something differently is encouraged.
Our society has become one where discussion, especially with opposing views is shied away from, in fear of offending our listener. But you never know when your words are going to make a difference. I understand this from firsthand experience. I’m a writer and words are important to me. I pen them using my faith, experience, background, education, etc. But when I write something, I’m never sure who will read it, and how they will interpret it.
Most of the time my words are not taken with offense. Occasionally, however, I will rustle the feathers of others. That has happened several times. No offense was intended, but the reader absolutely didn’t agree with my perspective and was terribly unkind when telling me so.
Recently I posted a another blog. A friend used my words to begin a post of her own. I was humbled that someone would do this. It’s encouraging and is indicative of just how important that what you say should be truth!
To repeat gossip is also powerful and I never want to do that. Notice I said ‘want.’ I try to be very deliberate about that, but in the privacy of my home, I wonder if sometimes I repeat something I shouldn’t. Words are powerful; and our language enables that power. It’s something that must be respected whether you are a family member, neighbor, journalist, politician or preacher. We are accountable for what comes out of our mouths! What we say does make a difference!