Speak Life

“You will never be nothing.” With his strong Haitian accent, those were the words spoken to me by my dad many years ago. I don’t remember the conversation in its entirety, but that statement is something I will never forget. Growing up I was always told of the things I would never accomplish because of the mistakes I’ve made. I was always compared to my peers. I was always reminded of my past mistakes. For some reason my dad could never leave the past in the past. His words broke me. He has said things no parent should ever say to their child. When he should have been speaking life over me, he spoke nothing, but death.

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. –Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

His words affected the way I saw myself in both my personal and professional life. I had to stop believing the lies he spoke over me and see myself the way God saw me. God knit me together in my mother’s womb. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. His works are wonderful! (Psalm 139:13-14)

I made the decision to forgive him about a decade ago, but little did I realize I was still harboring anger towards him. It took a recent conversation with a friend to bring that to light. I had to let it go especially because I saw how it affected my relationship with my dad. I don’t have a close relationship with him, but the day after I chose to let go of that anger towards him there was a shift in our relationship. There wasn’t as much tension between us anymore. I don’t know if we’ll ever have that ideal father-daughter relationship, but with God all things are possible.

The words we speak over our children or to anyone are POWERFUL. Choose your words wisely. I have to remind myself it’s not always what I say, but how I say it. Now that I am a parent I am mindful of the words I speak over my son and to him. He may not remember every toy that was purchased for him, but he’ll always remember how I made him feel as my son.

As we continue to move forward in this New Year, I would encourage you to SPEAK LIFE to the people in your life. Don't allow your words to keep you from having a healthy relationship with your loved ones.

Until next time, always remember you were born for GREATNESS!

Your girl,

Wodline