Resonate

What does the word ‘resonate’ mean?

According to Google, the word resonate means to ‘produce or be filled with a deep, full, or reverberating sound.’ Another definition states, ‘evoke or suggest images, memories, and emotions.’ And yet a third definition includes, ‘(of an idea or action) meet with someone’s agreement.’ 

So, here’s another question, “what resonates with you?” 

What is it that when you see it, hear it, feel it, talk about it, experience it; it moves you? It stirs up an emotion in you? It paints a picture in your mind? It takes you back to an excitedly memorable place in your past? It catapults you into a place of anticipation and hopefulness for your future? 

A contemporary and cursory reading of Proverbs 27:6 maintains this thought, “as a man thinks, so is he.” What fills you will [eventually and ultimately] define you. The thoughts that flood our minds will eventually be visible to the watching world around us. 

Jesus put it another way. The “mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart” (Luke 6:45, HCSB). What’s on the inside will soon become audibly and visibly clear to those within the sound and sight of our words and deeds.

All that infiltrates our hearts and minds begins to seep out of us like an ink pen onto the pages of the manuscript of our lives. We open the spray paint can of our experiences on an open canvas hoping the graffiti of our life resonates with others like a piece art.

So let’s ask the question again, “what resonates with you?” 

Consider the words, deeds, attitudes, and actions that are welling up inside of you. Make a list of ideas, beliefs, and causes that are the most important to you–things that resonate with you.

Are those thoughts and feelings acting as heavy burdens that seem to be weighing you down? Or do they provide hope and peace and freedom? Think on things that free you. That encourage you. That motivate you. And know that what resonates with you will become the melody of a life that begins to resonate with those around you!