During April vacation, we were able to spend more time together as an extended family. We cooked, we baked, we barbequed, and shared meals together.
All of these activities also included much conversation.
During the course of various conversations, it quickly became evident the words we use can influence and define the way children view themselves long afterwards.
Alone one morning, my thoughts turned to a set of expectant parents, and opening my Bible, I read of their experience.
Zechariah was the husband of Elizabeth, who was the mother of John the Baptist. Zechariah was a priest who served in the Temple. While in the Temple, an angel visited and announced he and his wife would soon have a son. Both were quite old in age, probably past the age of childbearing. Zechariah questioned the angel, and was struck dumb for the length of the entire pregnancy.
Upon the birth of the baby, they named him John, just as the angel had instructed. It was then Zechariah’s speech returned, and upon speaking for the first time, he prophesied not only about the coming Savior, but also about his son: who would tell about the coming Savior.
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; For you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways; To give to His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.†(Luke 1: 76-77, NASB)
Being an infant, John could not comprehend all which was being said over him. But Elizabeth and Zechariah himself heard, and understood, every word spoken. They raised their son with the constant awareness of his identity and the manner in which God was going to use him.
My children are grown now and I truly pray that I have spoken words of affirmation and encouragement to them while they were living at home. As parents (and grandparents), may our words be life-giving, helping the children in our families to know God and His ways. May our words cause them to grow in the awareness that He has a plan which He has crafted just for them.
“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.†(Proverbs 16:24, NASB)
But here is the thing … we, their parents and grandparents, need to hear our words as well. Join me at Woman to Woman Ministries HERE as we explore the reminders we receive from the words we speak to the children in our lives.
Thank you so much for your post. As a grandmother, and living with our daughter and SIL in the basement so having two grandkids in the ‘house’ is such a pleasure and we try to be mindful of our words and encourage them daily. The baby is not even 2 years old and the other is almost 12 now. We are so blessed. We can but pray that the words we use and how we use them will show them our love and commitment to them.
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Yes, as grandparents our influence can continue on. You are all blessed to have one another!
So very true Ms. Joanne. The words that we speak over others can have a significant impact upon their lives. As a young child, my biological family spewed venomous words upon their children that have had long-reaching negative impacts upon their lives. As a half-sibling to them, it seemed I caught the brunt of them. Had I internalized them, I expect I would be either drunk, homeless, or imprisoned now. I’m certain that my self-esteem and self-worth would be in the tank. Instead, God brought me into a loving adopted family that spoke words of love and encouragement into my life. It took years to undo the damage inflicted in the first 12 years, but with God’s help, my life turned around and the words my adopted mom, dad, and siblings spoke helped me to become who God had planned all along. Words do matter ma’am. Speak truth, but do so in love. God’s blessings.
Oh, the power of words! May we use that power well!
I love lessons from familiar stories. Sometimes even in the everyday I think there’s a story or lesson here. Those are wonderful things to keep in mind regarding our children and grandchildren.
Thanks bunches for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend.