The Impact of Words
The talk that resonated most with me from the April 2024 General Conference – and a subject that has affected my life – was “Words Matter” by Elder Ronald A. Rasband. This talk has prompted me to think about how words can have a great impact for good and bad. It led me to ponder on how I am using my own words. Do they lift others up? Do they encourage, show kindness and compassion?
This is what Elder Rasband has to say on the subject and it is very clear:
“Believe me, in our emoji-filled world, our words matter.
Our words can be supportive or angry, joyful or mean, compassionate or tossed aside. In the heat of the moment, words can sting and sink painfully deep into the soul—and stay there. Our words on the internet, texting, social media, or tweets take on a life of their own. So be careful what you say and how you say it. In our families, especially with husbands, wives, and children, our words can bring us together or drive a wedge between us.”
As a youth, I was given a wristband that said, ‘What Would Jesus Do?’ Having it on my wrist was a constant reminder of my Saviour’s example of how to behave. If I could expand on what my wristband said, it might be a good idea to include ‘What would Jesus Do and Say?’ We know that He would express Himself with unconditional loving kindness, care and even forgiveness when necessary.
When I was about 5 years old my mum took me to see the film Bambi which turned out to be the most horrific experience of my life… There’s a quote in it which is used regularly, even today, where Thumper the rabbit says, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothin’ at all.”
As a missionary, I expected to be confronted with negative opinions, opposite to my own, but found that because I had the Holy Ghost as a constant companion, they didn’t touch me. I have found that as I remember that experience and strive to have the Holy Ghost with me, unkind words seem to pass me by. It’s like putting on the armour of God. We’ll also have no desire to offend or cause hurt to others.
Having grown up in the church, I have been blessed to have the Holy Priesthood in my home. Throughout the years I have received many blessings from my dad and husband. All very special and deeply personal. The words of those blessings have brought me great comfort and reassurance in the Lord’s plan for me.
I remember on one occasion fairly recently, receiving a blessing to calm my nerves before an interview for a job. In the blessing I was promised that I would feel the Lord’s hand holding my own as I walked through that door to be interviewed… and I did. An immediate calmness came over me and I was able to give a good account of myself and later actually got the job.
There are other words of course, which we should feast upon every day from the scriptures. We should put our hearts and minds into pondering the words we read.
If we follow our Prophet’s words, they will guide and encourage us and keep us safe from worldly influences. He reminds us that our own words speak of who we are and what we hold dear. He also reminds us to keep the commandments and our covenants to enable the powers of heaven to pour down upon us.