By Johnson Babalola
Greetings again, everyone. I am sharing with you what I shared with members of the JBLLC Mentorship Platform today:
I have deliberately asked us to reflect on the subject of words and why they matter. As a lawyer of many years, with much of my practice rooted in immigration and refugee law, I have had the privilege of interacting with people from all walks of life and every corner of the world. One constant I’ve seen — regardless of culture, status, or profession — is the lasting impact of words.
Whether you are a young lawyer, law student, or a professional in another field, you will encounter moments where words — spoken or written — will shape someone’s life. Sometimes, forever.
Too often, when we talk about the power of words, we focus only on the positive — the bed of roses aspect of life. And rightly so. We must recognize the teacher whose encouraging words inspire excellence in students. The parents who are relentless cheerleaders for their children. The employer who urges their team to rise higher. The friend who speaks calm into chaos. These are the voices that become ladders — lifting, steadying, sustaining.
We must be such voices for others, and intentionally build such environments around ourselves too.
But life, as we all know, is not always a bed of roses — there are thorns too.
Over the years, I’ve seen how the careless or cruel words of some have caused wounds in others that take years — sometimes a lifetime — to heal.
* The parent who repeatedly calls their child “stupid”
* The religious leader who manipulates with scripture
* The employer who suppresses ambition through subtle discouragement
* The partner who promises forever with no intention to stay
* The friend who betrays trust with slander
* The teacher who crushes potential with harsh judgment
* The politician whose empty promises entrench despair
* The client who unjustifiably speaks ill of the professional working tirelessly on their behalf
* The friend or family member who fail in their promise to a widow, widower or a deceased’s child
Yes, words matter — they can build or destroy, plant or uproot, bless or wound.
Some people soar in life because someone once spoke life into them. Others are still trapped in pain, shame, or stagnation from a sentence said in haste or hate. If positive words have helped you fly, then fly on — and help others fly too with your own words of support, encouragement, and kindness.
But if you’ve been hurt by negative words — if you carry wounds caused by someone else’s voice — please don’t let those who wounded you have the final say. Seek healing. Seek help. Use your experience as fuel to do the opposite: to speak life where others have spoken death.
As members of the JBLLC Mentorship Platform (@jblifecompass), let us be mindful of our words — and sensitive to the experiences of others. We cannot truly succeed in law or in life if we are weighed down by unhealed verbal wounds.
To those still battling the impact of words from the past: healing is not instant — it is a journey, taken one day at a time. Like a rose tree, even when surrounded by thorns, your life can bloom again. Water yourself with hope. Expose yourself to the sunlight of truth. And remember — the presence of thorns does not mean the rose has lost its beauty.
Let’s be builders. Let’s be uplifters. Let’s speak life — and live it.
NB: Johnson Babalola, a Canada based lawyer, leadership consultant and corporate emcee, is a public affairs analyst. He is the Founder of JB Law & Life Compass (JBLLC), a mentorship platform for young lawyers, law students and young professionals (@jblifecompass). Follow him for discussions on real life issues that affect us all:* https://substack.com/@johnsonbabalola https://medium.com/@jblawyer2021 https jbdlaw Website: www.johnsonbabalola://www.facebook.com/jbandthings
IG: @jbdlaw/@jbandthings
*You can obtain a copy of his book, REJECTED on Amazon, FriesenPress, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Google Play, Apple Books, Nook Store etc.*
