As a creative exercise on
Art, Heart and Healing course by Tamara Laporte we had to do an altered book celebrating our lives. One of the pages expressed what we would say to our 5 year old selves. Between the ages of 5 and 11 I was bullied at school feeling powerless and unable to speak up for myself, in those days I don't remember any campaigns about anti bullying or even childline. I didn't tell anyone at the time and just hoped it would go away.
I don't remember anyone telling me how bright or gorgeous I was or how maybe some day I could speak words of encouragement into someones life. It took years of reflecting, reading, and faith to come out the other end, though the inner work is a continuous thing.
This was a really good exercise - all the things I would say to a young child now to encourage and support I said to my inner child. Words definitely have power and you can encourage or tear down someone by the words that come out of your mouth.
Ephesians 5:19 encourages us to speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit....
