Have your words branded you?

While attending a family birthday party recently, I had the privilege of spending some time with an aunt that I hadn't seen in years. After just a few moments of talking with her, though, the years faded away.  See, my aunt has this phrase that she used all the time when I was little, and apparently she still does.  I felt like I was six again when she said, "Great goodness!"

If you think about it, many people are known for the words they use.  I thought of a few - can you identify these?

1. Fiddle dee dee!
2. Did I do that?
3. Oh, bother.
4. Wilma!
5. Nobody puts Baby in a corner.
6. That's all, folks!

(answers at the end of this post)

Well, if you're not a thirtysomething female, you might not know some of those but the point is, you can probably think of several people that you could distinguish just by a phrase they say. 

It's kind of amazing when you think about.  Just a handful of consonants and vowels out of our mouths can brand us in someones mind, maybe even forever.

That might be sweet, if it's a case like my aunt, but what if we aren't remembered favorably for our words?

I'll bet you can remember the ugliest thing someone ever said to you.  Maybe you have a coworker with a potty mouth.  Perhaps you just know someone who is complaining all the time and brings down everyone around them with their negativity.

Words are powerful, folks.  The Bible even points out the impact our words have:

Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. - Proverbs 16:24 (NLT)


If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. - 1 Peter 3:10 (NLT)

These two verses show us that choosing positive words not only benefits the recipient of them, but ourselves as well.  Thoughtful speech is beneficial for the body and soul, and helps us to have joy-filled days.  Who doesn't need that?

We all know how good it makes you feel emotionally when someone compliments you, or tells you that they love you, or shows gratitude.  It also has a healthy effect on your body - hearing those nice things can actually increase the release of endorphins, which makes you feel calmer and more at peace.

Here's my challenge to you:

Try it out.  Make it a point to speak kind words to at least one person daily. See if you don't feel happier yourself, and notice a more positive interaction with those around you.

Who would've thought that our words carry so much weight!  But they can absolutely be used for bad and good, so a word to the wise - be careful what you say - you just might be remembered for it!!

OK, the answers are:

1. Scarlett O'Hara (Gone with the Wind)
2. Steve Erkel (Family Matters)
3. Winnie the Pooh
4. Fred Flintstone
5. Patrick Swayze as Johnny Castle (Dirty Dancing)
6. Porky Pig