SAGE Wisdom: Our Words (repost)

Here’s a thought from writer Henri Nouwen regarding something we don’t think much about.Words that do not become flesh in us remain "just words." They have no power to affect our lives. If someone says, "I love you," without any deep emotion, the words do more harm than good. But if these same words are spoken from the heart, they can create new life.

It is important that we keep in touch with the source of our words. Our great temptation is to become "pleasers," people who say the right words to please others but whose words have no roots in their interior lives. We have to keep making sure our words are rooted in our hearts. The best way to do that is in prayerful silence.

Father, help our words to come from silent times with you. To be rooted in peace, to create peace, and to return peace to us because they serve as pathways for your Spirit to work in all of Creation.