Tribute

I’ve been meaning to write this post for quite some time, but it keeps getting delayed in response to more pressing and topical issues in my life. I want to pay tribute to the power of language. Words and the manner in which we choose to use them are the essence of our lives.

I was walking through my living room, the news tuned in as always, and one of the announcers used a phrase that stopped me in my tracks. The funny thing is, I can’t even remember the phrase now, but it really struck me at the time. It was only a few words, but the wealth of meaning it suggested was beyond measure. That moment sent my mind sailing on the winds of inspiration and appreciation.

All day, every day we use language to create passion, to inspire desires, to convey information, to convince people to believe in us, and conversely, to influence a mood of sadness or express our anger. For the most part, we don’t even pay attention to the impact that language has on the people surrounding us. We simply use it as the tool it has become to live our lives.

This past weekend, I had cause to use the most inspiring of language to deliver a short speech encouraging donations of a financial type at a charity auction. I also used words to communicate a desire to accomplish certain things in my professional life. I spoke with friends about my aspirations professionally and I confided to my husband about my fears.

Last week, I drafted a query letter to submit to various agents in the book trade, searching for someone to represent me. I knew that initial letter I wrote and sent would more than likely be the largest factor influencing whether any agent contacted me back. I poured my heart and soul into crafting it.

All of which is to say, my entire life is built around the language I use and I am good at it. I have a certain facility for words that not everyone possesses. I also have an appreciation for words. When I write a story, I search my mind (and sometimes Google) for the exact proper wording to communicate the intent of what I want to say. I understand the power that words have when properly used and placed in a story or letter.

Words carry great power. Those of us who choose to wield them for a living know what that means. We have a responsibility to use them wisely and carefully. A well-chosen word or phrase can devastate someone or send them soaring. I try very hard to slow down my speech and choose my language very carefully when I am trying to communicate with someone. I am not always successful, but because I understand the power that words have, I try harder than most to find the exact word that inspires the emotion I wish.

I believe I have the gift of language and with that gift comes a great responsibility to use it carefully and accurately. I know that my words carry meaning and that meaning can be interpreted differently by people. I try to craft my language as concisely and meaningfully as possible, but I know I’ve hurt people by using the wrong words at the wrong time. I understand that I can influence people by the words that I use and the weight they carry.

I also believe that my facility with language has played the largest role in bringing me to the place I find myself professionally. It is my gift to communicate, particularly in writing. I rely on that daily. I count on that gift to carry me to unimaginable heights and open doors of opportunity. It is, truly, the one gift that I have and I cannot ever forget that it is the one tool in my personal arsenal that can make my dreams come true.

Words are my life. I immerse myself in language and believe in its power to change the world. The beauty of a well-crafted phrase or the devastation of a misplaced word can carry a power with which even weapons cannot compete.

And, this morning, they fail me as I try to convey what my love of language means. Suffice to say, I am in awe at the power of language and thankful daily for the gift I’ve been given. As someone once said, “With great power comes great responsibility.”

I would do well to remember that as my dreams come true.