Word Choice

There have been several people in my life who tell me about how much power words contain. I have always known this, but lately I have learned about the true power of words in my life. And it's because of the word choices that I have made that have caused me to realize this power.

If you know me at a relatively close level, you know that I have been experiencing a lot of stress lately. There have been health problems landing me in numerous doctor's offices, such as the ER, all to tell me that I am perfectly healthy and they can't figure out why I am having trouble breathing, or why my heart is hurting. It's caused me to do a lot of self-reflection to try and determine what may be happening in my life. And I've come to the conclusion that I am dealing with depression and anxiety.

When I first determined this, I told some people that I was "suffering" from depression. It's a common phrase I've heard passed around from time to time with various family members and friends who have gone through this experience as well. When other people tell me that they are suffering from depression, it doesn't bother me. However, once I started using it to describe myself, I realized the power of that word: suffering.

Because, see, I'm not suffering. Sure, it's hard for me to get out of bed in the morning. Yes, I lack the normal amount of energy I usually contain. Correct, I do have legitimate anxiety attacks and panic attacks on a weekly basis. But, no. I am not  suffering from depression.
Suffering, to me, sounds like I am being restrained.
Suffering, to me, sounds like I am unable to keep going.
Suffering, to me, sounds like I am helpless.

It was getting me down. Every time I said it. But as I was reflecting on the past weeks, I was floored at the power of God in my life.
Through Christ, I am not struggling to be free. He bought my freedom. Yes, of course I do struggle in life, but I am not struggling to be free. I'm not restrained. (2 Corinthians 3:17)
Through Christ, I'm given the strength to face tomorrow. I can keep pressing on, because I know and believe that I'm going to make it. (Psalm 34:17)
Through Christ, I am granted all the help I need. (Psalm 46:1)
      - I have family/friends who provide comfort and love
      - I have counselors who provide knowledge and wisdom
      - I have a Savior who sees all of my struggles, and pulls me through; a loving Lord who is bigger         than my weaknesses, stronger than my failures, and sees the big picture that is my life.

Instead of saying "suffering" from depression/anxiety, now I say to myself that I am living my life, and working to get through depression. Because I'm still living. Because I have support that is unbelievable. Because I'm going to get through this.

And God is just so good, ya know?

Anyway.. now I'm learning about the power of words. And since my word of the year is "choice", I am making a conscious effort to focus on my word choices when describing things. I have taken time to carefully think about what I'm trying to describe so that my words are accurate and give a full representation of my point.

May my word choices be a reflection of Christ who is shining through me.
May my word choices demonstrate love, support, and be up-lifting.

And so it goes...