Use more than just words - take positive action

Words affect us in so many ways. They can hurt us, help us, and alter our perspective. Jessie Faerber writes about the next step beyond words: taking action.



‘A picture is worth a thousand words’ – so they say. But words themselves can also conjure up a thousand more words. And if the starting point is a negative word or phrase, this can trigger a whole stream of other words and phrases within your mind and it can be like a domino effect.


When I think about words spoken to me in my life, I always seem to go straight back to the negative words that were said to me rather than the positive ones. Somehow, we have the incredible capacity to return to what hurts us rather than what encourages us!


Brené Brown said that “words only have power when they become what we say about who we are.” So, actually, we have more authority and responsibility than we initially think. So even if negative thoughts are circulating around your brain, remember this:


• Someone saying you’ve failed doesn’t make you a failure.
• Someone saying you’re ugly doesn’t mean you are ugly.
• You thinking you’re not enough doesn’t mean that you aren’t enough.
• You thinking that someone thinks you’re useless doesn’t mean you’re useless.

Words can stick, bruise, erupt and hurt, but they can also encourage, build up and support.


We long for meaning through words. We long to be affirmed through words. We long for words to change the state of the world. But is this even possible through words alone?


When we look at the Bible, we see that the first words spoken by God bring life. And the first words God speaks to humans are to bring us into connection with him, where he says “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9).


From this, we can see that, actually, words alone don’t suffice, because an action needs to happen along with what we say. For God, it was the creation of the world. And for us, his question requires movement and action as a response.

My hope is that my book, More Than Just Pretty, won’t just be twenty four thousand words spread across a hundred and thirty something pages. My hope is that it will trigger a response, a movement and an action from girls across the nation. My hope is that More Than Just Pretty will be more than just words because it’s about creating life, inspiring worth and empowering freedom. The ripple effect will release girls from other words, thoughts, and pressures which confine them.

Books are more than just words. They are new lenses through which we can see ourselves, others, and the world differently.

So, don’t let words give way to a thousand more words. Let words encourage a thousand actions.

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