Isn’t it funny how words can have power over us? When positive words are spoken over us, it gives us a sense of meaning and purpose, and builds our self-esteem. Positive words help us to realize who we are, and make us believe we can fulfill God’s purpose for our lives. Positivity and affirmation heal our broken plans and spur us on to greater things. Then there are the negative words…the ones that bring us down and steal our joy (if we let them), dissipating our self-confidence like a puddle of water on a hot day. They cause our hearts to conjure up every negative thing we have ever thought about ourselves, even those things we think we have safely hidden in the depths of our hearts…they rise to the surface when darkness is spoken over us.

Recently I had some negative words aimed in my direction…words spoken out of anger for the simple purpose of tearing me down. Hurtful words…unexpected words…words meant for harm and not for good. I let those words steal my joy for a little while. I let them soak into my innermost self and define me…for just a little while. But then I remembered WHOSE I am. And I assured myself that God doesn’t make mistakes. I reminded myself that there are many people who think I am nice, who like me for who I am, and who are real friends to me. I convinced myself that those words would not define who I am today, tomorrow, or any time to come.

I have spent the last several days in New York City, a place known for its rudeness and lack of kind gestures. And I have tried to make each place I have been in this city a little better while I’m in it. I struck up a conversation with a Brooklyn native as we walked through Brooklyn Heights and he explained the architecture and history of the borough to my husband and I. And there was sweet Phillipi from France, who we met in Central Park. He was so glad to talk with us and he shared about how welcome he feels in America. There was the beautiful African American family on the subway. When I told that mama how adorable her kids were, her face lit up. As we walked over the Brooklyn Bridge I saw several families trying to get themselves all in a selfie, so time after time I offered to take their photos so they could all be included in the memory. Their smiles of thanks blessed my heart. I did my best to catch the eye of weary looking subway travelers and offer a smile. I complimented women on their clothing, complimented the food that we ate, and shared a laugh with an old gentleman who almost lost his map at the subway station. I helped a young couple fresh off the plane figure out the Metro system so they could make it into Manhattan on the subway.

Each and every one of these moments were special. Each and every one of these moments were an opportunity for me to remember that I AM a nice person, despite someone that says otherwise.

If you are struggling with someone who speaks negativity into your life don’t let the enemy win. He will use any one at any time he can to break you, to make you feel unworthy, and to chip away at your confidence. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8). You are better than that. You are precious, loved, and valuable… and when you keep that in mind that, you are victorious! Have confidence in yourself, have compassion for others, and don’t allow the words of others to harm you. Remember that God is always fighting on your behalf. The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. (Zephaniah 3:17). God created you, he fashioned you for a purpose, and He doesn’t want anyone putting their fingerprints on his blueprints.

How are you speaking to others? How are others speaking to you? Proverbs 18:21 tells us that death and life are in the power of the tongue. Use your power wisely.