| FCA DAILY IMPACT PLAY Words Matter |
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| "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." - Proverbs 18:21 |
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Although it was almost 40 years ago, I remember it like it was yesterday. It was after school and I was hanging with my friends for 10 minutes before going to change for practice. And one of my coaches came over and “ripped me a new one” for not starting early and working extra. He chastised me for not being a good example, for not leading others and he said I will “never amount to anything.” All of this in front of teammates and friends! Not the way to motivate a senior, captain, returning state placer, and member of a state championship team.
Those words were like “death” to me. I was devastated. I was hurt. I became angry. I became bitter toward the coach. I could never learn from him again.
Words are so powerful!! I know my words have hurt my teammates, family, friends and staff. At least, I can ask for forgiveness to start the healing process.
Choose your words carefully, speak life into others – not death. If you need to ask for forgiveness do it quickly. |
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| What are some words and phrases you can use to breathe life into others? What are some words and phrases you need to remove from your vocabulary? Is there someone or a team you need to ask forgiveness for words of death you have spoken? |
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| God, thank you for the way you speak life over me. Help me to walk in that same grace and truth as I interact with others. |
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| Mark Stephens currently serves at the Mid-Atlantic FCA Regional International Coordinator aligned with Southeast Asia. In 1982, he helped to start the first FCA huddle at Salisbury University and has been on staff since 1990. Additionally, he has coached sports for 35 years, been a Jon Gordon certified trainer ’19 and in 2019 became an ACC certified leadership coach by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Mark and his wife Rhonda live in Maryland and have been blessed with 4 daughters and 2 son-in-laws. You can email him at [email protected]. |
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