Our words leave a mark
"In a world where words are often used to divide, dismiss, or demean, we are called to use words with intention." —Dr. Parker
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”—Proverbs 16:24
Words are powerful. In classrooms, offices, labs, clinical settings, and lunch tables, our words shape the culture around us. They can build trust or break it. They can affirm someone’s worth—or quietly erode it. Whether spoken aloud or typed in a message, our words leave a mark.
As a speech-language pathologist, I work with words every day—not just in theory, production, morphological construction, semantic classification, or organization in the context of a sentence, but in their most tangible, life-changing form. I witness the power of a single word to bring healing, connection, and hope.
In early language development, a child’s first spoken word is a milestone that opens the door to connection and identity. For a child with apraxia of speech, the first clear word, after weeks, months, or years of hard work and intervention, is not just a sound. It is a triumph. It is a moment that brings tears to parents’ eyes and joy to the heart of every clinician who has walked the journey with them.
For adults recovering from stroke or brain injury, regaining the ability to say their name, express a need, or tell a loved one “I love you” is deeply emotional. These are not just words—they are restorations of dignity and relationship.
In James 3, the Bible compares the tongue to a small spark that can set a forest ablaze. It reminds us that while the tongue is small (although recognized as one of the strongest muscles in the body), it can cause great harm if left unchecked. Even in academic and professional settings, a careless comment, a sarcastic remark, or a dismissive tone can deeply wound.
But the opposite is also true.
In John 8, when a woman accused of adultery is brought before Jesus, the crowd is ready to condemn her. But Jesus speaks words that protect, restore, and redirect: “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.” Jesus’ words don’t ignore any truth—but they offer grace and a path forward.
In the ancient world, honey (and by extension the honeycomb) was often utilized for its antibacterial and wound-healing properties. Proverbs 16:24 reminds us that our words are not just tools for communication but are also medicine: “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Our words carry emotional and spiritual weight. In a world where words are often used to divide, dismiss, or demean, we are called to use words with intention. May we, as members of our learning community, remember that we are called to speak life—to use our words to encourage, to challenge with kindness, to correct with humility, and to bring healing and hope.
Jana Parker, SLPD, CCC-SLP
Clinical Associate Professor
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders