Words Have the Power to Attract or Push Away
Which do you prefer? Warm conversations or loud outbursts? I dare say what the ear hears is an important indicator of emotions to follow. If what I hear pleases me, my curiosity moves me toward a deeper conversation. But if the voice carries an angry disrespectful tone and elevated decibels, my heartbeat increases, and all I want to do is get away from that obnoxious noise.
Over the years it’s become clear to me that the words we use have the power to attract. An interesting gab session uncovers common interests and exposes character qualities—good or bad. What comes out of the mouth will either draw people to us, or push them away.
Consider the Month of March
Those who call the Pacific Northwest home know the month of March can be fickle. Day one can show up stormy as a lion, or as gentle as a lamb. I’m happy to report this March began as a peaceful lamb. Days were warm and sunny. Flowers began to bloom. But now we can expect the end of March to be a complete opposite; more like a roaring lion.
All that to say, do our words and tone of voice come off more like the roaring lion or the soft-spoken lamb?
Which are You?
My temperament identifies more with the lamb. Loud voices immediately send me into high alert. I don’t like yelling. It’s offensive. My chest tightens, my stomach churns, and my ears tune out. The heated tone becomes pure noise like the clanging of a cymbal. I long to get away from it as fast as I can. As a result, any real conversation is shut down.
What About the Lion?
Most of us have encountered a person who sounds like a roaring lion. Some of us might even be that lion. Watch for the listener’s reaction. The body language of family members, friends, or co-workers is a good indicator. Are they eager to hear what we have to say, or do they shrink back? Those who do all the talking in an elevated tone can expect to trigger a negative response in the listener. Whereas those who use a respectful tone can look forward to a mutually pleasing conversation.
Angry voices tear down harmony in close relationships. Soft voices build it up. For a conversation to flourish, calm voices need to prevail. The voice of reason instructs us to weigh our words and their delivery carefully. Words do not return empty. They pierce emotions.
Yes, there will be differences of opinions. But they don’t need to spiral into arguments. Respect the other’s mindset. Kindly agree to disagree. This gives the relationship room to remain intact. Pray for each other.
The power of attraction is found in the spoken word. When the conversation is sprinkled with grace and forethought, harmony grows.
Prayer:
Lord, our mouths can so easily lead us astray. Please give us a hunger to speak more as the lamb and not the lion. May the Holy Spirit guide us into weighing our words and considering the listener before a single one leaves our mouths. Amen
Coaches Corner:
If you see yourself more like the outspoken lion, and are ready to temper that characteristic, a relationship coach can help you take those steps forward. The first 30-minute session is free. https://www.rebuildingfamilies.net/a-life-coach-wants-to-help-you-achieve-your-goals/
