Words matter
As a writer, I love words. But I also understand the responsibility that comes with words.
You’re not ready for prime time.
Words spoken from a Christian publisher to a young writer. Words that could easily wreck any future writing endeavors. Words that could easily be taken as rude, unprofessional, and just mean. Words that could—at the same time—inspire a young writer to keep dreaming.
That young writer was me.
I could have given up so many times. When my literary agent for Redeem the Story pitched the book to a dozen top Christian publishers and they all said no, I was hurt. The no had nothing to do with my writing and everything to do with my platform—is what they told me. They loved the book but wasn’t a fan of my platform. I wasn’t “big enough” for them to bet on and publish. I know it was true—I was a new author and I completely understand the risk involved but their words stung nonetheless.
Even though I understood their reasoning. It still hurt and it wasn’t their fault.
And so, I’ve been thinking about words lately.
As a child, I remember one of my teachers saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words shall never hurt me.”
Words—never hurt me? Really?
How do you reconcile being yelled at and feeling belittled by those harsh words?
And how do you justify the pain of being told "no" simply because I'm not "famous"?
Words do matter.
Words can hurt me—and you.
And sometimes we get hurt by the words of those who love us. I wrote about this in my book, Redeem the Story, but there was a time as a child when words wounded me even though it was unintentional.
I can’t recall my exact age, but it was when I was still living in Ohio. I was in first grade when my family moved to South Florida, where I still live today.
We went over to a family member’s house and I learned that my older brother was going on a weekend trip with them—camping.
I wanted so desperately to go. I cried. And screamed. And begged.
I was told I couldn’t go this time because they wouldn’t be able to handle my brother and me both and that they’d take me another time. Well, it’s been more than 20 years and I’m still waiting.
Their words “won’t be able to handle me” were what stuck out. I don’t know if those were the exact words but it was very close. Regardless, those words hurt. They stung. Maybe more so because they came from family. Sometimes that’s who wounds us the most—even if it’s unintentional.
I’m a dad of four boys and one of my biggest fears is wounding them with my words. I’ve found myself asking them for forgiveness because of things I’ve said. I know I won’t be perfect and I don’t expect anyone in my family to be either.
Wounds still happen and words still hurt.
I want my boys to know that if my words ever wound them their daddy loves them and it was unintentional. I want to show them what it means to own your mistakes and the words we speak.
I am constantly trying my best to teach my boys their words can hurt others. My 3-year-old knows that well. He comes home from pre-school some days and tells us, “I didn’t say potty words today!”
Potty words—whether a curse or a harsh phrase, words carry a weight that can leave lasting scars. Their impact can linger long after they're spoken, shaping our experiences and memories.
What words have been spoken over you?
What words have you spoken over yourself?
Do you agree words can hurt?
This was what was on my mind right now—words. Whether spoken or written words carry weight and sometimes that weight can hinder us or push us forward. For me, not being ready for prime time, pushed me forward to keep writing then, today, and tomorrow.
As a writer, I love words. But I also understand the responsibility that comes with words.
We must use them wisely.
Interested in advertising or sponsoring Faithful Words? I’d love to connect with you!
P.S. There may be sales or affiliate links in this post. So, I might get a little kickback if you purchase anything. Thank you in advance!
Today, I want to highlight Substack writer:
→ Check out her Substack: !
Words are Powerful. Just ask Jesus Christ.
I love the "I didn't say potty words" statement. Wouldn't it be great if we all followed your son's example? Thanks for the great post.