The Power of Words
There’s a ancient proverb that says,
“Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat of its fruit.”
What do you think? Agree, disagree?
You never know how deeply your words can affect someone in either positive or negative ways. Today, as I was asked by a friend to recall one of the best compliments I’d ever received, a story from my pre-teen days came to mind.
One of the life-defining compliments came to me in junior high school, when I participated in the weight-lifting club afterschool. At less than 100 lbs and less than 5 feet tall (I was a late bloomer,) I was one of the smallest kids there. But I what I lacked in physical stature, I made up for in determination. One day, I was trying to bench close to 90 lbs, and was just about to stop before I got in my five reps. I had only done 3. But stubborn as I was, I wouldn’t let my spotter take the bar from me. I kept pushing.
Then the coach came to the bench on which I was struggling and said, “Everyone look here! I want you to take a look at this guy here. He never gives up. Look at him. He never quits!” Sure enough, I found the strength to complete my set and when I finished, I felt as tall and strong as the rest of them because of the honor my coach had bestowed upon me, and the respect my friends now gave me.
Coach’s words defined me from the age of 12 until today. I’m a lot older now, and with some hard-earned wisdom have learned to pace myself against realistic limitations. But sometimes when I’m weary and discouraged, I remind myself of what he said. I’m reminded that I’m not a quitter, that I keep pushing past what I think I can do, and that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. My coach’s words shaped my entire adult life though he never knew it. It was more than three decades ago and on the other side of the continent, but wherever you are right now, Coach, I just want to say thank you. Your words had the power of life, and I’m eating of its fruit today.
Joshua Graham is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, winner of the International Book Award and Forward National Literature Award. His thrillers include DARKROOM, LATENT IMAGE and BEYOND JUSTICE, and TERMINUS. Graham's works have been characterized as thought-provoking page-turners.
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