©iStock.com/koinseb
Words are powerful.
As a writer, I’m very aware of the power of words. Words can heal. Words can hurt. Words can incite anger or joy.
Since I use words for a living I love the fact that they can be so powerful. But, my profession is also why it’s all too easy for me to get too caught up in the power of words–too easy for me to forget that words are sometimes not enough.
There’s no doubt that words can do a lot of good…or a lot of harm, but there are also times when we need to go beyond words if we really want to make a difference. It can be hard for us, as writers to admit this truth.
To a certain extent, words can encourage or provide comfort. When this happens, it’s great. But no amount of words can replace the warmth of an actual hug or smile. No amount of words can replace time actually spent with a loved one.
Words can inform, tell a story, or shed light on a situation. But without someone somewhere acting on them, those words will never lead to real change. Sometimes it’s time for words, but sometimes something more is required.
Words won’t mow your lawn when the grass gets too high. Words won’t clean your house when it gets too messy. Words can’t cook your meal or fold your clothes.
So, the bottom line is that we should remember that while words are powerful, actions can be even more powerful.
3 responses so far ↓
1 Kathy Weemer // Sep 9, 2011 at
Hi Laura,
I am just starting my new adventure as a writer, and have a question for you. Obviously, with regards to the power of words, you have probably seen and heard it all. What are your thoughts on the power of negative words? What I mean is those words that make us hurt when we hear them?
Thanks
Kathy
2 Laura Spencer // Sep 20, 2011 at
Thanks Kathy,
I think that negative words can make us hurt whether we hear them or not. In fact, written words can often be more painful because they last longer. If you think about it, words written on the Internet may never really go away. Even if you try to delete them there’s a chance that they exist in somebody’s cache somewhere.
3 Reading on Writing - October 2011 // Apr 11, 2013 at
[…] When Words Are Not Enough – Since I use words for a living I love the fact that they can be so powerful. But, my profession is also why it’s all too easy for me to get too caught up in the power of words–too easy for me to forget that words are sometimes not enough. […]