Aug 30
by Jeanne Heiberg
As catechists, teachers, and parents, we
know the power of words to motivate,
engage, and affirm children, to help them
celebrate their gifts, to let them know they
are loved even when they try our patience.
The start of the school year is a good time
to remember this. You can help students
realize the power of words and learn how to use that power for their own good and the good of others with this Wonderful-Words Poster activity and accompanying prayer service.
Word PowerRecent tests demonstrated just how potent words can be. Researchers used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to observe brain activity while people looked at different words. Words such as “fear,” “anger,” and “hate” generated unhealthy reactions. Words such as “hope,” “love,” and “friend” strengthened immune systems, improved circulation, and increased white blood cells.
Words may be able to affect plants, and even ice crystals. Jane Hershey, a holistic health nurse, wrapped different words around pots of calendula seeds. The seed that got negative words such as “I am weak and unhealthy,” did poorly. The seed that got positive words such as “I am healthy and flourishing” grew into a large, healthy plant. When Jane reversed the situation and gave affirming words to the wimpy plant, it picked up and flourished; with negative words, the large plant went into decline.
Researcher Masaru Emoto, author of The Hidden Messages in Water, placed negative words under one glass of water, positive words under another. He froze both and then examined the ice crystals under a microscope. Ice crystals from the glass with positive words were exquisite, symmetric, and harmonious. Those with negative words were misshapen and fewer in number. Many crystals simply disappeared.
If negative and positive words can affect plants and ice crystals, how much more important it is to affirm people with life-giving words that help them grow and flourish.
Say to the Children
Words are important to our lives and well-being. We use them every day, but they are not all equal. They are not all good for us. Some words can harm us. Other words are wonderful and can help us to be achievers—successful and in tune with God and other people and ourselves.
Scientists observed that some words can disturb people, while other words can help people be healthy and happy. How do you feel when I say the word “fear” or “hate” or “anger?” These are disturbing words. How do you feel when I say words like “joy,” “love,” “peace,” “friend,” “kindness”?
Can words help you to feel happy? They can if they are words of hope and love. For example, Deirdre’s big sister Jennifer got a letter from her boyfriend who is a soldier stationed in Afghanistan. The letter said, “I love you. I’m coming home soon, and I can’t wait to see you.” Jennifer laughed and cried with joy.
The Bible is filled with such words. For example, verse 105 from Psalm 119 says to God, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.” God’s words bring light, love, guidance, hope, and help to people. Our own positive words can help someone through dark and difficult times, until that person reaches peace and happiness again.
Certain parts of the Hebrew Scriptures, especially the Psalms, and Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament give us many wonderful words that inspire and reassure us. (See “The Word in Scripture” and share examples that will be best understood by your students.)
Over a long period of time, God’s prophets and holy people brought more positive and life-giving words to God’s people. The climax was Jesus, the Word of God, who brought us so many words of life. Saints—such as Paul, John, and Peter, and in our own times, Mother Teresa, the popes, and Christian writers—have continued to share with us words of peace, joy, and hope. God used all of them to set the world on a course for the better, with more inspiring thoughts, words, and actions. Wonderful words are still powerful for us today.
Thoughts give rise to feelings and actions. Let’s start out this school year by training ourselves to see, think, say, and act with wonderful words for the best year ever!
ACTIVITY: Wonderful-Words Posters
MATERIALS
- 9” x 12” card stock, construction paper, or light cardboard (for background)
- pencils
- scissors
- glue
- yarn
- hole punch
- markers
- glue-on, self-adhesive, or computer-generated letters
- Option: watercolor and brushes (small cups of water for cleaning brushes; paper towels for overall cleanup)
PROCEDURE
- Cut background into 6” x 9” pieces (for shorter words) or 4 1/2” x 12” pieces (for longer words).
- Place the letters of the word or words—evenly spaced and centered—on the background. Tip: Sketch letter placement with a pencil.
- Place a line of glue around the word/words and press a piece of yarn on it. With a different color of yarn, create another outline, then do another, radiating outward till the background is filled with rhythmic moving lines honoring this wonderful word.
- Option: If using paint, paint around each letter or the whole word with a color of paint that contrasts with the background. Continue as above with a different color of paint instead of yarn.
- Punch a whole in the top of the background and thread a piece of yarn through the hole and tie the ends into a knot to serve as a hanger. Hang the wonderful colorful words throughout the classroom, on bulletin boards, and from the ceiling. Remember to celebrate, think, give, and use affirming words as much as possible during the coming year.
Wonderful-Words Prayer
Hang the wonderful-words posters around the classroom or have students hold them. On your prayer table, place a Bible marked with the readings (see below), a dish of holy water and sprinkling sprig, a small plant, candles, and art to make a beautiful prayer focus.
Opening Song: “Your Words Are Spirit,” based on Psalm 19 ©1993. Bernadette Farrell. Found in Spirit & Song, published by OCP.
Opening Prayer: Thank you, Loving Creator, for the wonderful words you give us in Scripture, and for the Word made flesh, Jesus. Thank you for the inspiring words of saints and others. Thank you for the words of caring people in our own lives. Help us to share wonderful words with one another, and to affirm ourselves, our families, and our friends. May we use wonderful words to celebrate the world you have given us. Let us think, feel, and say wonderful words to celebrate life. May wonderful words increase our happiness, success, and joyful service to others.
All: Amen.
Readings: Genesis 1:3 (God’s word creates); Isaiah 55:10-11 (God’s word returns to God); Psalm 119:105 (God’s word is a lamp to our feet); 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (God’s word is at work in us); 2 Thessalonians 3:1 (we pray that God’s word will speed forward); John 1:14 (God’s Word was made flesh in Jesus)
Blessing: Jesus, God’s Word of Love to us, bless these wonderful-words posters. May they remind us to affirm one another, to trust in your goodness, and to use wonderful words in ways that bring about your peace and happiness (sprinkle with holy water). Help us to study and learn well in the coming year.
All: Amen.
(Optional: Wonderful-Words Cheer: Have students hold up their wonderful-words posters and call out their words at the same time—like a cheer.)
Closing Prayer: Loving Lord, may the words we use find favor in your sight. All: Amen.
May the words we use keep us cheerful, enthusiastic, and happy so that we learn about you throughout the coming year. All: Amen.
May the words we use keep our feet firmly planted on the pathway to success in this life, and happiness at home with you forever. All: Amen.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit, go now to give and receive joy through wonderful words. All: Amen.
Closing Song: “Wonderful Words of Life.” Text and music: Philip P. Bliss, 1838-1876. Or “With One Voice” ©1998, Ricky Manalo, CSP. Found in Breaking Bread, OCP.
Jeanne Heiberg is the author of Advent Arts and Christmas Crafts (Paulist Press) and Advent calendars (Creative Communications). She has taught art, writing, creative catechetics, and meditation, and has directed parish catechetical programs. Jeanne writes, paints, and gives writing workshops in upstate New York.
Source: CATECHIST Magazine, September 2010 Copyright 2010, Peter Li, Inc. This article may not be reprinted or reproduced in any form without permission, except for use with your classes or families.
