The Power of Words

By Dr. Marcia Davis-Dawkins

Growing up, I was often compared to many, including and especially to, one of my siblings. What is interesting about this situation is that I am the first of six. This meant that the comparison stung more than others because I should have been the one who served as the role model for my siblings.

Self-Confidence 

My self-confidence has been on a roller coaster ride to the extent that in my youth, many adult mentors chose to underscore my faults rather than encourage my proficiencies and potential. In other words, my accomplishments during those years were not expressed as ‘achievements,’ but rather any minute negative was highlighted, emphasized and broadcast to the world.

There is a very well- known verse in the bible that highlights the fact that there is life and death in the power of the tongue (Prov. 18:21 NIV). By extension, Deuteronomy 30:19 encourages the former, saying that we should choose life. Accordingly, when we speak to others, our words should speak life, not death. This way of life also has great rewards.

Another encouragement passed down through generations is “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say it!” Speak life to yourself and your students.

Rise above the negative utterances people have to say, and ensure that they do not bear fruit or are repeated. Only repeat words that are true and positive.

My heritage molded who I was destined to be, but I had to change my mindset from the consistently negative words inadvertently hurled at me so I could become prosperous and productive.

Like many things, change is difficult. I realize however, that there is the opportunity to be a beacon of hope for others to whom I am exposed. Self-motivation contributed significantly to my ability to spread the good news to my students. Justice Clarence Thomas once said, “The old man Can’t is dead, I helped to bury him.” In fact, I have those words hung in my room so that my students can share the experience. I have even had some of my students perform the burial of Mr. Can’t! I have literally seen the difference. I want them to treasure education just like a hungry man treasures food. I want my students to see learning/education as a way to grow – the same way food helps them grow. They can develop through education that will take them places. I find that often, the students give up too easily, and if I can encourage them positively through my words and my actions, then they will start to believe in themselves.

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