Words Matter

This week, the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) is sponsoring Words Matter Week. In honor of this, they have proposed a blog challenge. Please click here to participate.

Words...the building blocks of language, the first step in communication. Without them, where would we be? Remember the Tower of Babel? Not one of them could understand another's words. How about the curse of Babel in That Hideous Strength, by C.S. Lewis. They were all talking and writing nonsense, frustrated by their own inability to say anything understandable or coherent.

We need words. With them, we can reach out to the world. Many writers and authors have changed the viewpoints of others through a single article or story. To touch the hearts of others is a gift, and one that can be accomplished through words. I hope to someday make someone's spirits soar with a written work of my own.

The Rosetta Stone was a puzzle that intrigued many. It was solved through diligence and, because of it, words were unlocked. Words are a blessing not limited to a single language.

The sound of a kind word or a compliment becomes joyful. Some words thrill us while others leave us terrified. Something fills us with laughter; another word causes us to reflect. Words are even able to make us breathless, or passionate, or even angry. It appears that emotions are tied to them. They can comfort and console, leave us on the edge of our seat, sadden us, or gladden us. Cheer and celebration can be expressed in words. All this is due to the simple fact that words exist. They matter.