Simple Little Words: What You Say Can Change a Life

Have you ever heard the saying, "words don't matter". It's just not true. The words "I hate you" can break your heart. The words "you are amazing" can change your whole attitude. Words start wars and divide families. I just read a small book packed with wisdom called "Simple Little Words: What You Say Can Change a Life" written by Michelle Cox and John Perrodin. John and Michelle drop in to share why words are important and how powerful they can be--for good or bad.

Suzie Eller: Michelle and John, thanks for stopping by CML. I love this book. The hardback cover is beautiful, but it's the words inside that make the book. Tell us a little bit about why you wrote Simple Little Words:

John Perrodin: Simple Little Words shows the powerful impact that the words we say can have on others. Too often we think that brief connections with family and friends don’t matter. Truth is some of the most meaningful words we’ve ever heard began as mere oft-hand comments. That’s because we rarely stop to consider how the words we say – for good or ill – will be remembered, maybe even for a lifetime.

Michelle Cox: Simple Little Words features poignant stories of lives that were touched or changed by words someone said to them. I love that the book contains something for everyone. We have powerful stories about teachers, caregivers, individuals with disabilities, parenting, marriage, the business world, singles, aging, and many more. A different story touches me each time I read the book.

SE: It has a lot of stories from people like author Karen Kingsbury, movie producer Ken Wales, and Chick-fil-A founder and CEO Truett Cathy. Can you tell us about that process?

MC: John and I submitted the proposal for this book and then waited over seven months before we heard the publisher was going to send us a contract. They wanted the book in six weeks—and we only had two stories! Our first thought was panic and then we prayed about it. Two days later, I called John and said, “If God sent us the contract, He will send us the stories.”

Only a few people turned us down when we requested submissions. When all the stories were finally in place, I read from beginning to end, and I wept because I realized God’s vision had been so much bigger than ours had been.

JP: My first thought was: How will we do this? But I knew that working with Michelle would make a daunting task doable. Plus, we completely turned the project over to God. We asked Him to bring us the stories to include. I’m certain that’s why we got such a tremendous mix of contributors.

SE: I'm a big fan of Dennis Hensley. He's a master storyteller, but also someone who encourages (and challenges) writers. What was his contribution?

MC: Dr. Dennis Hensley’s “One Word Made All the Difference” always squeezes my heart. This story features one of his students and the way Sean’s life changed forever because of simple words Dennis wrote on his quiz paper.

SE: I shared that story when I spoke recently. Dennis had no clue that Sean's relationship with his father was in such a bad state. Dennis did what he always does. He found the positive and shared it. It was a simple gesture (simple little words), but gave this young adult the affirmation he had never received from a father figure. It was powerful! John, do you have a favorite story?

JP: I love “Avery’s New Shoes.” This story is full of home-grown touches and child-like wisdom. As a reader, I learn along with the kids about whom the tale is told. Picking out a “favorite” is nearly impossible. Each story is so different and each shines like a gem in its own right.

SE: Can either of you recall a specific moment when someone’s words changed your life?

MC: One of those moments is the reason this book exists. As a child from a dysfunctional home situation, I had no self-esteem and no self-confidence. On a class field trip one day, a classmate’s mom said, “You have the most beautiful green eyes I’ve ever seen.” To her they were ten simple little words, but to a child who needed to hear there was something of beauty about her, they were life changing.

JP: My life is filled with many such moments. I think about recently when I was feeling frustrated over the enormous task of working full-time and writing books “on the side.” My sweet wife, Sue, just said, “You’re going to make it.” That helped me see past the deadlines and the unwritten words to the point when I can put aside the current Hot Project – and move on to the next one!

SE: If someone reading this says, "words are just words", what is your response?

MC: That our words are powerful tools that can be used to wound and defeat or to inspire and encourage. And those words are often remembered for a lifetime. What simple little words do you need to say to someone who needs to hear them?

SE: Why did you write this book?

JP: I hope our readers will be swept away by the variety and strength of each story. I want them to forget the day-to-day hassles for a few moments and reflect upon how quickly life passes. That being the case, why do we so often make cutting remarks when we could offer a splash of praise instead? I sincerely believe that each of us can do better at encouraging others – and that the tips provided in Simple Little Words will help make that happen.

SE: Are you working on anything new?

MC: I just finished a 360-page cookbook as a gift to welcome my son’s new bride to our family. I’ll continue writing for Focus on the Family Magazine, and John and I will soon begin working on a study guide/workbook for a large evangelistic ministry. I have several projects under consideration at various publishing houses.

SE: This is one of my favorite questions. When you aren't writing, where can we find you? What is a typical day?

MC: I love being with my family. Paul and I have three mischievous—and awesome—sons ranging in age from 23 to 31. They are responsible for all my gray hairs and nervous twitches—and they are the joy of my life. Our youngest son is getting married in May (2008) so we are busy with wedding preparations. My husband and I work with the singles at our church and we love our 70+ “adapted” kids. From the time I was a little girl, reading has been my favorite hobby. Is anything any better than the crisp pages of a new book? I even read junk mail! Go figure.

JP: I love being with my family. My wife, Sue, and I are blessed with seven wonderful children ranging in age from 2 to 18. (Update, we are expecting a new little one in 2009.) We enjoy singing, hiking, reading, walking, talking, playing games, and generally goofing around together. And Michelle and I enjoy getting out the word out about Simple Little Words in our spare time as well!

SE: How can CML members get in touch with you?

JP: We would love to have friends visit us at www.SimpleLittleWords.com. There they’ll find a wealth of fun, and yes – simple ways to make life a bit easier. We have simple little recipes, simple little cleaning tips, simple little writing hints, etc. You get the idea. Discussion questions for each chapter are available on the website. These are great for book groups and we’ve heard from numerous sources that they are using the book and discussion questions for family worship time and their study groups. I’d also enjoy having visitors on www.JohnPerrodin.com, my “official” author website.

MC: After you visit www.SimpleLittleWords.com and www.JohnPerrodin.com, click on over and visit me at www.MichelleCoxInspirations.com.

SE: Thanks for joining us. I loved the book. In fact, it is one of the favorites on my bookshelf.

Okay CML readers, what are the simple little words that changed your life? Let's encourage each other today as we discuss the power of words (negative or positive).