Sometimes you're hit with words.
"Just" words.
THOSE WORDS HURT
(Click here to play this song.)
It's 10 p.m.
Still no call
Maybe he'll be home soon
She hoped his day went well
Abusive words might run across his lips
Or maybe not
She never could tell
She debated her childhood reminder
Surely sticks and stones would be kinder
Those words hurt
Hurt like bruises
Like a wound inside, she wondered, "Will this ever heal?"
Those words hurt
He'd say, "My love, I'm sorry"
Apologies never seemed to take all the pain away
Those words hurt
Her mind tells her
("That's not true")
Those cruel words
("That's not true")
Do not contain an ounce of truth
("That's just not true")
But repetition
("Could that be true?)
Has effect
("Could that be true?")
Repetition
("Why would he say that..)
Has effect
(...if that wasn't true?)
Repetition
("You're weak, you're sick...)
Has effect
(... you have no class")
Those words hurt
Hurt like bruises
Like a wound inside she wondered, "will this ever heal?"
Those words hurt
He'd tell her, "Hon, I'm sorry."
Apologies never seem to take all the pain away
Those words hurt
In April 2003, my daughter shared this song with her acquaintance, Pamela. Jenny also shared Leah's story. Pamela sent me a card with the following words of encouragement and scriptures:
I am a friend of Jenny's. She allowed me the privilege of praying for Leah. Then she allowed me to listen to your music.
The Lord has given you a wonderful and unique talent. Your music is comforting, honest, haunting and yet, healing. I have played "Those Words Hurt" dozens of times and it continues to play in my mind. It has brought back many memories from my own childhood, but I do not fear my memories. I am just so proud of you for not fearing your memories. God has given you strength and the courage to use your voice. You will encourage and inspire so many others not to fear their memories. God Bless You!
The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.
Psalm 29:11
For God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.
Romans 11:29 |
It's wrong to verbally abuse someone, but should we talk about those who do us wrong?
We all know that it's wrong to gossip.
We know that we should be careful of what we say.
We've all heard "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all."
But "does that count" when someone has hurt us so badly and we need to talk...?
In December 2006, I was participating in a discussion group from church. I was prompted to speak toward a topic of conversation from our group leader. I felt both good and bad feelings inside as I began to tell the listeners of the abuse that I endured in my past; what I'd been through. Then our group leader asked Susan a similar question.
Susan is a beautiful woman who easily appears to be at least 10 years younger than her actual age. For the longest time, I've admired her because she's so pretty, or just so sweet - - I couldn't really put my finger on it, but there's just been something intriguing about her to me.
When Susan was asked this question, she paused before she thoughtfully began to speak. Susan said that she, too, had once been involved in a troubled and abusive relationship, but she felt that it was not right to tell any details. The reason that she was refraining was because she said that she had done things in her past that she was not proud of; she described them as terrible and horrible things, and she felt that she simply could not speak ill of anyone else. She said that she had no right...
There this gentle, precious lady sat in a circle of approximately 30 people, eyes cast to her folded hands, tenderly saying how deeply she loves our Lord and how thankful she is to be forgiven for her past. That's all that she could say...
...teaching me a very needed lesson; teaching like Jesus did, with love and by example.
And I now clearly see why I've been so drawn to this beautiful lady... I see Jesus.
Credits
Those Words Hurt: Recorded & mixed at Hamilton House on 02/28/2003
