Words

The phrase "A woman of few words" has never been applied nor relevant to me. Even in middle school and high school my teachers commented on my "wordiness" when writing. This has proved to be useful in my major. The ability to string a variety of eloquent words together in a pleasant flow makes it seem like I know what I'm talking/writing about. Sometimes this is indeed the case, other times, it is a nifty devise used to fill up pages and required lengths. It is mischievous I know, but words are never in short supply so I figure I may as well use them if they are there. Even as I sit at my computer crafting these paragraphs into shape and my fingers trill across the keys I wonder what it is I am trying to say with this and where I am going. Where I want to go is this: Words carry great weight in our lives and have major influence as well. The only other thing I can compare this to is music which does the same thing for me. Sometimes I listen to music with no words and words come to me. Not in the form of whimsical lyrics or poetic verses, just words, even ideas and awry thoughts just pop in and out. Its almost like a flavor sensation. Words are the flavor to a song sometimes. Others may try to argue with this concept and I wouldn't argue back because I can see it the other way too, but who says it has to be one or the other really?
In the circle of believers I run with whether it be at church, or among friends in fellowship, conferences, etc, we often discuss the role words can play in our relationships. We read verses like Proverbs 12:18 which says "There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." We come to the conclusion that words can either give life or take life. So I ask myself, "Am I a life-giver or a life-taker?" We all like to think that we give life with our words, but is that always the case? I read about amazing godly women who were described as life-givers. I read their bios and journals, even their confessions of sin and the ugliest things seem to be giving life to the reader. I think to myself, "I want to be a woman like that..." A woman who has no trace of venom on her tongue but brings healing and love with her words. It can get discouraging when I am sometimes confronted with the fact that I am not yet this woman. Yes, God has sanctified and is continuing to complete the good work which he began in me, but man do I have a long way to go!  Even today I was forced to see the ugly side of me in a "friendly" game of volleyball. 
I am not known as a quick-witted person, so when my friends tease me and try to get a rise out of me words fail me and are in short supply. I never know what is funny or witty, but I try, too hard in fact. This particular game was difficult for me to participate in because my teammates (bless their souls) were not the best volleyball players. I, coming from playing in high school and being generally competitive, was struggling to be a good sport. Before I even know it I started smack talking my friend. It probably wouldn't have been so bad had it not been from a place of real frustration and anger. Thankfully he didn't hear me, and it wasn't even that "trashy" but I brought myself up short thinking, "I don't want to be this girl!" 
I believe as women God has given us a keen sense of the power that lies in words. Looking to the Proverbs 7 woman whose words bring about destruction. "With much deductive speech she persuades him, with her smooth talk she compels him." (vs. 21). I am not meaning just in the manner of bringing about lust and pulling men down into sexual sin, though this too is a grievous occurrence I have seen commonly referred to as "innocent flirting" (but that is another post yet to be written), it can be in any way that does not push others to the cross or give life to one another. 
We are so confused by the mix messages that society sends out to us females. We think we should be relevant and relatable to others, which I agree with to a point. But does that mean we are to look like the world, after all isn't that what they do? Sarcasm and hurtful jokes are brushed of as shop-talk and or even worse it is so commonplace that is goes unnoticed. As believers we must raise the bar, lift up our standards in how we communicate with one another giving life and not taking it. This may be different for each individual. for instance I know myself, my attempt to be funny and relatable (especially to brothers) usually end is me saying something stupid and left feeling regretful. 
Again I don't really know where this post is intended to go...I just know its something I've been thinking about, so call it food for thought if you will. Are you a life-giver or a life-taker with your words. Is your sense of humor fed off of sarcasm at the cost of others around you? What would your relationships look like if you consciously thought how to push each other to the gospel and to life? How can we alter these areas to really make a positive difference?
You know what is a sobering thought? To think about how Jesus spoke to his people. Was it with harsh sarcasm intended to tear the other down? No, his words were wrapped in love and tied with compassion.  His words gave life, and gave it abundantly. 
Deuteronomy 8:3 " Man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word from the mouth of the Lord". 
Peace and Love Beloved