I've always admired people who just naturally "have a way with words," and I believe this is a God-given talent. Some of the greatest speeches in history were written by people blessed with this talent, as well as lyrics to some of the most awe-inspiring songs, poems, and books. And then there are the great sermons written by ministers like Peter Marshall and Billy Graham, that transcend language barriers and touch the hearts of mankind all over the world.
Since I've been writing my blog, I have come to appreciate and enjoy the different styles of writing of you, my blogging friends. I am constantly inspired by your eloquence ... entertained by your wit and humor ... encouraged and comforted by your grace and steadfast faith in the face of adversity ... and always, always feel your most heartfelt emotions as you share them through your words, stories, and pictures.
The sheer power of words is boundless ... and writers have that power literally at their fingertips. Their words enable them to evoke strong emotions, both good and bad, from their readers. When used in a positive manner, words can inspire, assure, elate, encourage, incite, excite, and comfort. On the other hand, they can also depress, torment, sadden, discourage, distress, and inflict anguish.
A relatively insignificant example of the impact of negative words is my personal experience with the popular Rate My Space web site. I discovered Rate My Space a couple of years ago and, after a while, posted pictures of several rooms of my house and also my yard. I received many very gracious and complimentary comments about them, but soon discovered there was another side of RMS. Not all the members were taught by their mamas that if you can't say something nice about something, just don't say anything at all!
It didn't take me long to realize that I was way too sensitive and was letting even the slightest critical comment wipe out all the positive ones. I began to look at my house differently and found myself doubting my choices in furniture and rugs and accessories ... all because someone made an unkind negative comment.
And then one day when I was "visiting" one of my favorite RMS sites which belonged to a sweet lady in Texas named BJ, I read that BJ had a "blog" called Sweet Nothings, and was inviting everyone to visit her there. Now that was the first time I had ever heard the term "blog," so, of course, I had to go see what BJ was up to ... and it was "love at first sight!" I became a regular follower of her Sweet Nothings, which led me to our friend Dot's Picket Fences blog, and ... well, I think you know the "rest of the story" ... I've been hooked on blogging ever since!
And do you know what amazes me? ... I have received only ONE negative comment about my posts (this will be my 164th), and that was from an "anonymous" person who made a very rude comment about my recent tribute to President Bush.
Just as negative words can tear down, positive words can uplift ... and I've witnessed this time after time in the poignant, sometimes funny, and always-inspiring stories and life experiences shared through your blogs. I feel honored and blessed to be a part of a wonderful circle of blogging friends whose way with words is always positive, uplifting, and powerful ... whether sharing life and death experiences, requesting prayers for a loved one, or passing along recipes and decorating tips.
I have come to know and admire each of you ... not only for your accomplishments as decorators, or quilters, or gardeners, or homemakers, or photographers, or teachers ... but also for the compassion, grace, sincerity, and kindness reflected through ... your powerful way with words.
