Creating Worlds

We create worlds with our words.
Krista Tippett

Nothing draws attention more to my words and tone of voice than living with an articulate 3 year old. My tone can reduce her to tears at the drop of a hat. My words…well, I cringe when I hear them come back at me even as I sternly caution, “watch your mouth!” Wait, whose mouth? Thus I am struck by the phrase from Ocean Vuong in week four’s Hope Portal podcast, “our future is not in our hands, it is in our mouths.” He drives home my questions: When a lifetime is ahead of a 3 year old, what future am I creating with my words (and tone)? But I can’t stop there. The truth is, the future is ahead of all of us. What future am I creating for those that will carry the energy I leave behind?

            Do I spew rumors or impart knowledge?

            Am I curious about another’s difference or condemning?

            Do I speak revenge or forgiveness?

I admittedly am struggling with resentment over a decades long situation and anger over some current day circumstances. I’m not proud of my words about it – words that reflect my feelings of despair and hopelessness or mirror ugly rhetoric that seems so acceptable these days. I am convicted to be intentional about what kind of future I am creating.

But, what do I do with the feelings? I need to deal with them. In facing my feelings, I name them in a place of confidence; a counselor or trusted friend. I give them voice in a safe place where I hear expressed what is contrary to the future I want to create. I also get to sort through just what it is I want to create so that I can return to community with curiosity, a voice of compassion, and forgiveness that reflects a future of mercy and justice that I Hope for. With compassion for my own feelings and hurt, I can make space with compassion for others trying to find their way. The safety to share struggles in confidence is essential so that conditions (words) contrary to my great hope do not settle into my heart and find expression through my mouth. This requires my intention and practice! Thank you for helping me be mindful.

But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart,
and this is what defiles.
Matthew 15:18

In this together - with great hope,
Amy