Word Tattoos

I read another quote last night... Or maybe the night before... Again, I've been thinking.  This quote asked one question and honestly, I had to answer "no." I've been so disappointed in myself to have to answer no to that question... It's something I "preach" all the time but also something I "preach" at myself because I fail frequently.  It's something I need to work on and change about myself and I would bet it's a question you would have to answer no to as well.

Posted by Lauren DeMoss 

So what if your daily words became tattoos on your skin? Would you still be beautiful? Would each word be something you would want everyone and anyone to see? If your words were to become your tattoos would you change any of them? If your words were your tattoos would you be kinder, stronger, more confident, more trustworthy? Would you trust God more? Would you speak less? Would you love more? What is it you would change if you knew everyone would see?  Would you change even the things you say to and about yourself? Would you speak words of encouragement and support to yourself? Would you speak more humbly?  Would you appreciate who you are and concentrate more on the things you like rather than the flaws?

Of course, the lesson we learn from this question and all the other questions it leads us to ask of ourselves is to be more aware of the words we speak... Not only the words we speak to others but those we speak into our own being. We must take time to think about our words, I know it is more difficult in the moment but we should take time right now, thinking of the words we have spoken lately that we may not be proud of, the words we wish we would have spoken, the words we would soften... If we think about them now it may be possible to change them in the moments to come.  Dr. Phil frequently says "it takes one thousand 'atta boys' to make up for one negative statement."  We must speak life, kindness, love, encouragement and support, we must change our way of thinking before we can change an outcome and to change our thinking we must repeat a thousand "atta boys."

"Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit - you choose."

Proverbs 18:21 (Msg)

"Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse; all they do is run off at the mouth.  Many words rush along like rivers in flood, but deep wisdom flows up from Artesian springs.  The words of a fool start fights; do him and favor and gag him.  Fools are undone by their big mouths; their souls are crushed by their words.  Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you really want that junk in your belly?  Answering before listening is both rude and stupid.  Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest! Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit - you choose."