Internet memes rarely penetrate deep enough in my mind to linger more than a few seconds, but there’s one I can’t forget. It’s a picture of a Viking — with a message chiding readers about being weak if they have been offended by “mere words.”

Here’s what the creator of that meme doesn’t get: words are mighty.

With words, God formed the earth, set fire to the stars, and breathed life into humans.

Words can be used to mock or mend, teach or trick, recommend or ruin.

When my husband was a professor, I dreaded the end of a semester because it meant student evaluations. While many students expressed positive feelings about his classes and astuteness, a fair share of malicious comments came through too. The remarks were not constructive, rather intentionally cutting.

My fighter instincts always shot into action during review season. I wanted to find those surly students and give them a lesson on manners. I couldn’t believe there were young adults with such nerve — until I remembered Dr. W. Then I wanted to throw up.

If you have ever been convicted by the Holy Spirit, you know how I felt when my high horse bucked me to the curb and left me with an image of the kind, shy man with a heart for God’s creation. A man whose character and talent I assaulted when armed with a No. 2 pencil.

When I was a college sophomore I regarded Dr. W. as an adversary of sorts. He stood between me and a higher GPA. I needed a science credit and heard that fun times were to be had in environmental biology. But I didn’t get into Dr. Fun’s class. Instead, a mild-mannered professor who asked tough questions instructed me about grassy terrain and various species of algae living in local lakes.

The fact that Dr. W. was so impassioned about his subject infuriated me. Did he honestly think that this communication major who was, in her own mind, destined to be the next Diane Sawyer cared about oats, goats, and banana pokes? I found his teaching methods difficult and dismissed it as his problem. “If he was a good teacher, I’d certainly understand the material,” I reasoned.

When time came for me to submit my student evaluation I knew that my grade for the class was a C, and I hated any letter that came after an A.

Anger bubbled over as I checked the Most Definitely Agree box next to the statement: Professor has distracting mannerisms. In fact I agreed with every negative statement and disagreed with anything positive. I followed up the multiple choice portion with terse comments.

“He needs this feedback to better his performance; it’s his job to do well,” I told my friend Joy who shared similar beliefs about the class. Now, I am ashamed.

I don’t know how Dr. W. felt when he read the disparaging remarks offered by me and other students, but I cannot image he was edified. In fact, knowing his gentle demeanor, I’d wager that his expression was crestfallen at best.

Oh, if only I could go back. If only I could erase the harsh words I wrote replace them with encouragement.

But that’s the difficulty with words; they cannot be unwritten after they’re read. I did try to make amends. A few years ago, I wrote Dr. W. an apology letter. I’m not sure if he received it or not, because I never heard back from him, but I hope he opened it. I told him that I was sorry and that he made a positive impact on my life even though it took me a decade to realize that.

I wish I could do more, but unless our paths cross again, I probably won’t get an opportunity to right my wrong with Dr. W. I can, however, be a better steward of the words I say and write. Sometimes this is easier than others. I take great care to encourage and empower women to see themselves like Jesus sees them.

I write blog posts about conquering shame. I share many of my own sins and shortcomings as a testament to God’s power and mercy. But sometimes, even now when I know better, I can get a little testy on Facebook or a smidge sarcastic when a cashier at a grocery store comments on my purchase. I can become unglued when my kids disobey or when my husband forgets it’s his turn to clean the kitchen. It’s easy to rationalize my poor word choices and brush them off as inconsequential. But then I try to remember these words above all:

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” {Ephesians 4:29, 31}

Words are powerful and I want mine to to reflect the Maker and Maintainer of all life.
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Words hold power. With words, God formed the earth, set fire to the stars, and breathed life into humans. {Tweet this!}

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