1.

One of my favorite things about being human is our ability to assign meaning. We can give meaning to anything (i.e. the plethora of different philosophies and cultures that exist). I learned in college that we are the only species on planet earth that can assign meaning, which is beautifully terrifying. All you have to do is read the many historical books (and present-day news) to see how colorfully we have exercised this power. As a Sojourner, I have leaned on this power frequently. I continually choose to re-examine my wounds, my joys and the intentions that preceded them. As a result, I have witnessed my own willingness to tell the truth to myself (and yeah, even to others too), about anything and everything I choose to.

Let’s just say as rough as it was and is to do, I respect myself for it. I owe much of my blossoming to this conscious awareness regarding the power of assigning meaning. I have often heard that the universe abhors a vacuum and that it is also not redundant. Which means to me that everything that is meant to be here, is meant to be here. There is an intentionality to God’s creation process that I revere. One of those creations that I revere are words! Because they are a major part of how intentions are expressed. And like the Universe, I had to learn to abhor vacuums and abstain from redundancies through artfully using words. I had to learn the alchemy within them.

2.

That alchemy allowed me to fill any vacuums I had with love, so I could convey peace, speak victory upon my life and be able to call out the truth from within. And with that, let me segway into the next name in the “What’s in a name?” series. The name in the title belongs to the second born in my family, my brother, Tino (short for Tinoreva). The power to kill or to heal; to destroy or to build; to enforce boundaries or to weaken them, lies in the tongue. The bible says some version of this as well, actually many philosophies emphasize some version of this sage wisdom. I believe that a few of my mistakes occurred because I really didn’t understand what being a steward of this gift meant.

Stewardship is an ethical value that focuses on the planning and management of resources (google definition). It is a value that bestows the honor of being able to take care of resources. Words are a resource. I didn’t quite get that until I experienced what mismanagement of words does to one’s overall health. You know how people say actions speak louder than words? Well, in my experience that was not completely true. [Sidenote: That statement has always irritated me so much as a lover of words, as an African, as a child of God and as someone who has been at the receiving end of verbal abuse. Words speak loudly, period! Actions are another conversation altogether.] Now, as I was saying…

3.

A major part of my healing was recognizing how I had been taking care of my resources which includes words. Words as a resource meant that I had to examine my intentions, especially what I intended to convey. Did I speak when it mattered? Was I even tuned in enough with myself to know what the truth feels or sounds like in my body? Did I reflect on how certain words made me feel or what they mean? Did I call out bravely (and yes, humbly) that which needed calling out? Did I even feel like I was worthy enough to steward this gift?

Stewardship isn’t only a matter of responsibility; it is about honor and ultimately about worthiness. I re-learned how to steward ME better the moment I embraced that I was indeed worth treasuring. And that words offered medicine needed for that journey. Amongst many other things, I had to know that I am worthy of people who honor me as I honor them, who see me because I see them.

I am worthy of people who speak to me with respect as I do with them. Simple right? And yet as “simple” as words may seem, they cause monumental shifts in how we steward them and ourselves.

4.

Managing words as a resource included setting boundaries, using affirmations, praying consistently and reading profusely so I could re-acquaint myself with power. I am not defending words per se because I am a writer or because I enjoy talking (sometimes). Words redeemed me and allowed me to see others clearly as well. I walked myself to my own salvation and words were an amazing part of the armor as well as tact I needed to traverse. When I began to honor myself as a Steward, I started to believe some very necessary things about myself.

When I speak, I really do move mountains, I command attention and my inner yumminess reverberates. When I speak, I convey the glory of God. When I speak, I mean business and pleasure too. When I speak, I call out bullshit and I call in blessings. Words are a powerful resource, that is the meaning I have assigned to them during my healing journey. What about you fellow Steward? How will you honor the gift of assigning meaning?

Whatever you choose (hopefully wisely), may all you wish to convey, speak or call out, heal you and serve a higher purpose. I am rooting for you!