Breaking the Power of Negative Words: Book Review

Have hurtful words wounded you?  Breaking the Power of Negative Words by author Mary C. Busha, offers steps to help remove the harmful effects of negative words and guide you to healing.

Part 1— Words Spoken to Us, explores the reasons behind unkind words said to us. The author shares stories from people whose lives have been affected by abusive words. Most often cruel words were evidence of the brokenness and pain in the person who said them. Each story shows how forgiveness can set us free from the prison of negative words.

“Determine in your heart to see the words for what they truly are and were. When possible, be willing to discover the other person’s story.”

Part 2—Words we Speak to Ourselves, helps readers recognize the effect of both negative and positive words. 

“What you perceive or speak about yourself, you tend to become. Your own words can help create and perpetuate something about yourself you don’t like.”

I can definitely relate to this self-fulfilling prophecy. In Junior High, I was called “stupid” and “airhead.” I was so afraid of saying something dumb, I found myself saying stupid things.

Busha gives 6 steps to help readers break the power of negative self-talk. She also explores how personality styles and spiritual gifts affect the way we communicate. 

Part 3—Words we Speak to Others, shows how encouraging words can affirm others. This section focuses on seeking the forgiveness of others. Busha shares a beautiful letter she wrote where she models how to ask for forgiveness.

I loved the last chapter, Letting Go, where she writes about 5 Not-so Healthy Needs. These include the need to please, the need to be right, the need to be in control, the need to know and the need for more.

This book was well researched and contained many practical ways to walk in the freedom of who God says we are.

I received a free copy of this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for my honest review.