Downton Abbey: Words Have Power

Being British by birth and upbringing, I have to confess I’m an ardent fan of Downton Abbey.  And I know I’m not alone! During my recent ministry trip to India, I discovered more fans who didn’t want to miss a single episode.Perhaps you’re one of them?What is it that draws perhaps millions around the world to watch a drama set in England in the 1900’s?  Here’s how I’d answer that:

• A glimpse into a glamorous lifestyle that was experienced by only a few.
• Simply gorgeous clothes. Yes, I do love seeing what Ralph Lauren designed for each episode.
• Watching people’s lives unfold: both the aristocratic members of the Grantham family, and their servants.
• Admiration for the author, Julian Fellowes, who fleshed out each character with their heartaches and hopes, which viewers all over the world can relate to.

But more than a glamorous drama, Downton Abbey portrayed people and the consequences of their choices. One major lesson stood out to me in this, admittedly, fictional story.  It was the Biblical truth that:

WORDS HAVE POWER

Two characters in particular prompted me to reflect on what Proverbs, the book of Wisdom, says about the power of our words. Let’s begin with Lady Mary, then look at Mr. Barrows.Lady Mary, the beautiful but headstrong elder sister, coolly destroyed the wedding dreams of her younger sister, Lady Edith, through betraying her secret to her prospective husband. In The Message, Proverbs 11:9 reads, Mean-spirited slander is heartless. The NIV says, With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor. Whichever version you prefer, the point is the same.  Our words can hurt, and even destroy another person because The tongue has the power of life and death (18:21)Mr. Barrows is the second character notable for his sarcasm and scheming to pull down everyone else. A single man, he alienated all the other household help so that he was ultimately told to look for another job. Unable to reveal his struggles and loneliness, he tried to commit suicide. His ugly words and attitudes led to him being disliked and rejected. Harsh words stir up anger (Proverbs 15:1) is a fact God wants all of us to remember.

Do you struggle with harsh words others have said to you?

In their book, Wounded by Words: Healing the invisible scars of Emotional Abuse, authors Susan Titus Osborn, Karen Kosman, and Jeenie Gordon share many stories from their own experience and that of others.  Words can be lethal weapons in the hands of parents, spouses, and even so-called friends.  But words can also be loving and healing, as their stories show.God’s words to you are loving, positive, healing, filled with hope, comfort and grace. Let me encourage you to get into them, to read chapters such as Romans 5-8, to savor the amazing love, forgiveness and acceptance of God for YOU, YES YOU!  (And me, of course.)My heart sings with thankfulness when I remember, not the harsh and mean words others have said, but the astounding words that I am holy, God is for me, and I am His forever.In my next blog I’m going to focus on: Your Words Affect You. Be sure to sign up so you don’t miss it. Qu: How have toxic words affected you? What God-given words have helped you grow? Loving Blessings,PoppyPhoto credit: PhotoDollar ClubThree women photo