In this episode of The Christian Book Blurb, host Matt McChlery interviews author Joanne Berthelsen about her book Swan Song. They discuss the importance of speaking life-giving words and the impact our words can have on others. Joanne shares that there is so much negative talk in society and that our world needs hope, which can be provided through positive and uplifting words. They also discuss the different types of life-giving words, such as empathy, encouragement, affirmation, challenge, forgiveness, and more. Joanne emphasizes the importance of speaking words of challenge in love and the power of forgiveness. She provides tips for being intentional with our words, including staying close to God, focusing on the other person, and taking a moment before speaking. Joanne also shares about her love of playing Wordle and how to make an Australian pavlova. Links Help keep this podcast on the web by simply buying me a coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattmcchlery Sponsor an episode of this podcast Click for Advertising info Visit Jo-Anne Berthelsen's website jo-anneberthelsen.com Visit Matt McChlery's website mattmcchlery.com Takeaways Speaking life-giving words is important because there is so much negative talk in society and our world needs hope. Our words have the power to impact others and can either build them up or damage them. The Bible challenges us to speak life-giving words and to tame our tongues. Jesus is our example of speaking life-giving words, and we are called to speak in the same way. Words of challenge can be life-giving when spoken in love and with the best interests of the other person in mind. Forgiveness is important and speaking words of forgiveness can have a powerful impact. To be intentional with our words, we should stay close to God, focus on the other person, and take a moment before speaking. Joanne's upcoming book, God Moments, is a collection of devotional writings that encourage readers to see God in everyday life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Speaking Life-Giving Words02:27 The Impact of Words on Others03:24 Types of Life-Giving Words: Empathy, Encouragement, Affirmation, Challenge, Forgiveness, and More10:55 Words of Insight: Prophetic Words and Words of Knowledge12:50 The Power of Words of Challenge19:03 The Importance of Forgiveness and Words of Forgiveness20:57 Tips for Being Intentional with Our Words29:37 Author's Journey and Upcoming Book: God Moments