I learned very early in life that words are never “just words.”
Words carry weight.
Words carry atmosphere.
Words carry power.
Especially when you are living with chronic illness.
Because pain already fights your body…
and negative words can begin fighting your mind too.
Growing up with sickle cell disease, I heard many frightening things:
Predictions.
Limitations.
Assumptions.
Fear-filled statements.
Some people spoke carelessly.
Others spoke from ignorance.
Some spoke from pity.
But somewhere along the way, I discovered something powerful:
I did not have to agree with every negative word spoken over my life.
The Bible says:
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” — Proverbs 12:18
And I saw both sides of that verse in real life.
Some words wounded deeply.
But other words healed me repeatedly.
My parents constantly spoke life over me as a child.
They prayed over me.
Encouraged me.
Reminded me that God had purpose for my life.
And later, my husband continued doing the same.
Those words matter more than people realize.
Because when pain becomes part of your daily reality, hope must be protected intentionally.
So I began speaking life over myself too.
Even during difficult seasons, I declared Scriptures aloud:
“I will live and not die.” — Psalm 118:17
“By His wounds I am healed.” — Isaiah 53:5
“I am more than a conqueror through Christ.” — Romans 8:37
“This is the victory that overcomes the world, even “my” faith.” — 1 John 5:4
I refused to curse myself.
Refused to partner with hopelessness.
Refused to become another voice against my own life.
Too many things were already fighting me. I didn’t need my own tongue joining them.
And honestly?
This lesson extends far beyond sickle cell disease.
Many people are dying emotionally under the weight of destructive words:
Words from family.
Words from teachers.
Words from doctors.
Words from society.
Words from themselves.
Be careful what you repeatedly say about your life… And what you hear.
Because eventually, words shape expectations…
and expectations shape how people live.
Educational Nugget:
Mental and emotional health significantly affect quality of life in chronic illness. Encouragement, emotional support, faith, counseling, and positive environments can help reduce emotional distress associated with long-term pain conditions.
Pain2Gain Reflection:
Speak to yourself or your loved one with the same compassion and hope you desire from others.
Next, I’ll share the moment I realized that merely surviving is not the same as truly living.
#ThrivingWithSickleCell #FaithANDDivineHealing
