Words have the power to build up or tear down, yet James reminds us that the people we speak to have been made in the image of God. In this reflection, Rev Kelleigh explores James 3 through the lenses of Scripture, pastoral ministry, and years of working alongside people carrying trauma, shame, and recovery. This blog considers the connection between worship, the heart, and the way we speak, and invites us to allow God to form our words as well as our lives.

Being open and transparent, there are moments when my body tells a story before my mind can catch up. My heart begins to race, my chest feels tight, and sometimes I can literally feel the blood thumping in my ears. It feels loud, overwhelming, and exhausting all at once. For a long time, I didn’t understand what was happening to me. I wondered if I was just anxious, if I wasn’t trusting God enough, or if I simply needed to pray harder. But as I’ve continued on my healing jour