Word Warrior

I took some kind of a test once that when I was finished described me as a “Word Warrior.” I can’t remember if the test was worth the time to take it, but it did to some degree give credence to my frequent awareness that words are much the common ground for my daily life’s work. The words on the other hand may be spoken or written or in some sense both. As a proclaimer of the Gospel, I find myself highly conscious of the tremendous differences between spoken and written language. There is a flow to speech that few have ever captured capably in written form. Likewise, the written word can be powerful and pointed, and moving all at once, but unyielding in spoken form to ready hearing. So between the two we move, as readers and writers, speakers and voices of witness. There is for all of us the words that tell the story, point the truth, share the dream, create the conflict or allow the opportunity for peace. Words continually allow our thoughts to move and to be challenged and more.
As I think of words that speak to hearts, I realize the necessity of shared experience as the basis for understanding. Likewise, there is the power of a truth that when applied and learned by the experience of a chosen response, builds the capacities for growth and progress. I have seen faith mature and hopes grow in the face of many challenges by the power of words to guide and shape perspective and understanding.
Words are truly gifts to us all. It’s too bad that so often words have a way of piling up around us, unconsidered or never heard, when for a season they would be like a steady rain to a parched field. But in order to mean much at all…the word must be heard or read with contemplation of thought and meaning. Likewise, the force of speech bears little semblance to value if only the volume of words is perceived. It is the voice of reason matched with a passion for truth that unleashes discourse for gain and blessing.
Sadly, even in some religious contexts, the message of truth is forsaken for hucksterism and pep rallies, evoking more passion that purity, more adrenalin than dreams, more fleecing than shepherding. The words do matter.
It matters that our words can potentially heal or destroy. Our words can move mountains or rally riots. Our words can compel or comply, respond or reject, relieve or bereave. Words are full of power…for good or ill. But for effect, there must be the words and the hearing. Both are essentials for blessings of strength to life and living. Count me in as a “Word Warrior”…but I pray the words will do what God would be pleased they do in and through me.