Word.

I am struck by the power of words. Their power is the reason that bloggers spend hours tweaking one sentence; it’s the reason that sex traffickers use words as a tool of deception on vulnerable girls; it’s the reason that certain countries outlaw some authors; it’s the reason that Presidents have speech-writers and it’s the reason that hopeful students agonize during application seasons; it’s the reason that many refuse to say “I love you”. Words carry immense weight and the words we choose to read/listen to/think about/say, change the very way we [I] think about ourselves, about the world, and about our God[s].

There is a huge-hearted person in my office named Albert. He serves tea and maintains the building, in addition to speaking to me in Hindi every time he passes my desk. As I slowly pick up his words and string them together, I see him begin to understand me, and I, him. With each word, he becomes less “Random Office Assistant” and so much more “Albert”. Speaking with Albert in broken Hindi gives me a window into an otherwise unreachable (for me, at least) linguistic soul. With more language acquisition, our conversations will deepen somewhat, and we will use words to get to know each other, as colleagues, and as friends. Although Albert and I are completely different people, Hindi words do not discriminate between us, and using them allows us to bridge the many cultural gaps that would otherwise keep us further apart.

Words affect our work (why do you think there is a phrase called “Vision Casting”?). Our office has a one-man finance department, and despite a tiny department, he has earned our office the highest possible Fiscal Accounting ratings for an entire year. To celebrate, we made him an award. It’s nothing fancy: just laminated paper with appreciative words printed in fancy font. Although it is not valuable in and of itself, I see that award pinned to his wall every time I sit in his office.

Words have a profound effect on the way I view my situation while living abroad. Astrid and I informally debrief after almost every workday and usually, this is a really healthy way to process our experience at IJM. Words are powerful because they identify (give a concrete identity to) real feelings, needs, and frustrations that cannot be ignored once they are named. There were natural frustrations associated with shifting into a new work environment that I did not deal with until Astrid made me begin spitting out the elephants...into the middle of the metaphoric room. Naming certain aspects of my experience is enabling me to more fully recognize, value, and savor the challenging aspects and the wonderful parts of moving to a new work environment, even ten months after my arrival. Words force me to engage with life, instead of merely living under a weak veil of contentment that comes from selectively focusing on the “good”.

Last week, in an address to government officials, the Minister of State for the Ministry of Labour and Employment (trust me, this guy matters in the world of labour law) openly recognized the existence of bonded labour in South Asia. Additionally, he spoke publically about a need to improve the enforcement instructions of the Bonded Labour Act (a key part of the Bandhua 1947 Campaign).  Although he did not change the life situation of any bonded labourers by his words on that day, the Minister’s very word has the power to influence the behavior of every member of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. This represents a huge success for our Government Relations team!

I am really good at believing the lies that creep into my self-consciousness: that I am not “intelligent” enough to be of use to anyone anywhere; that I am a burden and an embarrassment to everyone around me; that I deserve loneliness. Sometimes (especially in a place that can feel so far from anything like home), the lies get louder, leaving me feeling alienated from the world and unable to break through the thick glass that separates me from “them”.  I start believing that there is a limited supply of kind words, and that I must hold mine close, just in case I give them all away and find myself empty. But, astoundingly, the pathetic weakness and falsehood of these lies is revealed by the ease with which they are absolutely blown away by the simplest words of truth.

After years of prideful struggling against this confession, I must say that I need powerful, simple words of truth. I yearn to be reminded of how much I am loved, and of the fact that I can give freely, without holding back one word of encouragement. I need the reminder that God is Able, and that He gives me the power to make change, regardless of my IQ. I need to be told these things, and thankfully, there have been (and are) hundreds of people speaking true, powerful words to me over the years. I am privileged to know great pastors, bold family, irreplaceable friends, and gracious coworkers who insistently speak the simple truths to me, despite my attempts to drown them out.

The power of simple words inspires me to live more freely and to love more fully.

My prayer tonight is for those who have not experienced the gift of receiving relentless, affirming words.  You (regardless of what continent you’re reading from right now) and I are surrounded by multiple people who can be enriched by the power of a few, simple words. I may not have a law degree, or a lot of money, or the political power to influence change, or the fullest understanding of social phenomena, but I have the power of words. Call me idealistic, but if words are one of the big tools we have to fight the lies and break free from hopelessness and despair, then my hope for today is that we use them freely, without reserve or fear, to forgive, to heal, and to celebrate the fact that we get life.

Our Communications team struggles daily to use their words well. Please pray for them in this venture!

 Sincerely,

Alice

p.s. Today’s reasons to Celebrate: In the course of writing this post, I got back electricity AND internet connection!

p.s.s. Are you interested in supporting me this year? Learn more about giving here.