Tongue Pierced: How the Words You Speak Transform the Life You Live

Searcy (Connect), lead pastor of the multisite Journey Church and former staff member at Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church, defines words that exemplify a “tongue pierced” lifestyle: those “that reflect a heart filled with love.” In nine chapters, the author examines the power of words and what they say about the speaker; the use of words in prayer; the impact of words on loved ones (especially on spouses and children); words that express gratitude; the negative effect of cursing (including a 30-day no-cursing challenge); healthy approaches to confrontation; and the importance of making consistently thoughtful word choices. He stresses that children need to hear encouraging, uplifting, empowering words when young—not cursing or angry words that will only tear them down. Searcy’s study, while slow to start, is filled with examples of both hurtful and healing words and relatable situations, thoughtful and gentle reminders of the impact words have on people, and a light smattering of scripture to reinforce his message; it will leave readers searching for the right words to make their relationships more positive. (Jan.)