Following the murder of a well-known influencer on the same day as yet another school shooting in America, along with the expressions of grief, outrage, and even justifications that followed, I pondered the power of words.
Individually, words carry meaning. When words are joined together, whether in a random comment, a passing thought, or the foundation of a belief system, they move in tandem, a way to express ourselves, make known who we are and what we believe.
Through language, we communicate our ideas, hopes, fears, and convictions. We can sometimes even influence the beliefs, actions, and behaviors of others. Words have the power to mold people much as clay is molded: cast, burnished, fired, and glazed. Certain exchanges can leave marks - often for just a moment, but sometimes for a lifetime.
It is then that the true weight of words becomes clear. They can hurt or heal, inspire or demean, rally or repulse. Words, once spoken, cannot be unsaid. Used to sow discord, they can bring devastating consequences, shaking trust and tearing at the fabric of our families, our communities, and even our country.
Yet words also hold tremendous potential for good. They can be chosen with intention - to encourage, to comfort, to inspire courage, to promote understanding, to invite peace.
So the question becomes deeply personal: what words will I choose to express myself today? Will they contribute to the discord, or will they create space for healing and understanding?
If we can remember the power our words can impart, perhaps we can choose to express them more carefully, more purposefully, and, in so doing, begin to heal the divisions among us. It’s been a wish, a dream, and a hope of mine for so long - this desire for peace - but I’m struggling to keep the light within me burning.
My message today, my words, well they belong to another, repeated often, yet forgotten or cast aside daily:
“Love one another as I have loved you.”
No qualifiers.
Love.
Just love.
Essay by Melinda K Zarate
Written on 2025-09-11 at 17:57
Save as a bookmark (requires login)
Write a comment (requires login)
Send as email (requires login)
Print text
The Power of Words
This morning I’ve been thinking about the power of words.Individually, words carry meaning. When words are joined together, whether in a random comment, a passing thought, or the foundation of a belief system, they move in tandem, a way to express ourselves, make known who we are and what we believe.
Through language, we communicate our ideas, hopes, fears, and convictions. We can sometimes even influence the beliefs, actions, and behaviors of others. Words have the power to mold people much as clay is molded: cast, burnished, fired, and glazed. Certain exchanges can leave marks - often for just a moment, but sometimes for a lifetime.
It is then that the true weight of words becomes clear. They can hurt or heal, inspire or demean, rally or repulse. Words, once spoken, cannot be unsaid. Used to sow discord, they can bring devastating consequences, shaking trust and tearing at the fabric of our families, our communities, and even our country.
Yet words also hold tremendous potential for good. They can be chosen with intention - to encourage, to comfort, to inspire courage, to promote understanding, to invite peace.
So the question becomes deeply personal: what words will I choose to express myself today? Will they contribute to the discord, or will they create space for healing and understanding?
If we can remember the power our words can impart, perhaps we can choose to express them more carefully, more purposefully, and, in so doing, begin to heal the divisions among us. It’s been a wish, a dream, and a hope of mine for so long - this desire for peace - but I’m struggling to keep the light within me burning.
My message today, my words, well they belong to another, repeated often, yet forgotten or cast aside daily:
“Love one another as I have loved you.”
No qualifiers.
Love.
Just love.
Essay by Melinda K Zarate
Written on 2025-09-11 at 17:57
Save as a bookmark (requires login) Write a comment (requires login) Send as email (requires login) Print text
