I’ve always been in love with words. Before I learned to read, I can remember rolling words around on my tongue, savoring the flavor of the sounds.
Words are powerful. Words can be used for good or evil.
As a writer, teacher and speaker, I search to capture just the right word with just the right nuance in whatever project I’m working on. Like you, I’m a wordsmith.
Proverbs 25:11 “Like apples of gold in pictures of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.”
God’s Word is absolute truth.
II Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for correction, instruction, for training in righteousness.”
Some words inspire. Others do incredible harm. Words can be used to browbeat, control and manipulate.
Ephesians 4:29 “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”
Some words require a great deal of courage to speak and/or to write. Truth, whether personal or universal, comes at a cost. Vulnerability. Rejection, or in its most extreme form, death.
Writers love words. You, too, have probably been called “good with words.” But the flip side of this gift is the ability to also misuse the gift. To hedge the truth if I fear the cost. The temptation to use words to control, to get my way, etc . . .
As Christ-followers, it is our privilege to write for Him. It is also a great responsibility to use our words well. Our words must be submitted to the Word-Giver. Surrendered to His control.
Daily. Hourly. Minute by minute.
Like my projects, I am a work in progress. And God will not leave me as I am. This is my prayer:
Psalm 19:4 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord.”
And finally, Some words are fun. They make me smile when I see them. They fill me with an inexplicable joy in the saying of them. I’m not sure why I like these words so much, except the onomatopoeia sound of them amuses me.
Here’s a partial list of my favorite, fun words:
- Poppycock
- Epiphany
- Serendipity
- Skullduggery
- Kathmandu
- Abu Dhabi
- Paprika
Say them five times fast and see if they don’t make you smile, too.
Happy writing,
Lisa
What are some of your favorite words? Brave words? Good words? Fun words?
Multi-published author Lisa Carter likes to describe her romantic suspense novels as “Sweet Tea with a Slice of Murder.” A Vast and Gracious Tide released in June 2018. The Stronghold won a 2017 Daphne du Maurier. Under a Turquoise Skywon the 2015 Carol Award. Beyond the Cherokee Trail was a 4½ star Romantic Times Top Pick. She also has two contemporary romance series with Love Inspired. Lisa enjoys traveling and researching her next fictional adventure. When not writing, she loves spending time with family and teaching writing workshops. A native North Carolinian, she has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball.
Join the adventure at http://www.lisacarterauthor.com.
The Conversation
Lisa, thank you for the smile this morning. My favorite word is in your list, Serendipity. When I speak to ladies groups, I often tease that my most feared and most loved word is the same, MOMMY! All mothers can understand. God bless you for the reminder that words are powerful.
Mommy is a powerful word. Being a mommy is yet another privilege and great responsibility. Thanks for sharing.
Great use of words to remind us of their importance. Thanks!
Thanks for stopping by.
I LOVE words! One of my favorites is kerfuffle. It is perfect for what it describes. Verklempt too. And that Psalm verse is spot on. Thanks.
I love kerfuffle. Never heard verklempt. My daughter still laughs every time she hears Djibouti.