Words

I am awestruck by the power of words! When Edward Bulwer-Lytton penned the phrase, "The pen is mightier than the sword" he wasn't kidding. Words have the power to uplift someone to higher realms than they ever thought imaginable and words can drag others to the depths of the ocean blue.

I have been on both sides of these words. I have phrases that run through my head from years ago on down days. I have to remind myself that the truth of who I am comes from God and not those belittling words which were spoken in haste about a raw situation. On the other end of that deal, I have a special note from a teacher in high school that I love to sit and read, and re-read, on occasion just to remember how much potential I had...and, honestly, still have. Words, my friends, are powerful!

On a daily basis I am reminded to put thought into my words as I deal with my children. I am reminded that James 3:5-6 says that the tongue is small, but can set the whole body aflame with its boasts as I lash out at my children in a moment fraught with anger. I am constantly trying to remind myself of 1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." Sometimes I am doing the encouraging part, but sometimes it is a struggle.

This takes me back to my thoughts. Luke 6:45b says, "For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." This is so true. So what is on my inside? When one of my kids bump me the wrong way, what spills out? My aim and my hope is that Jesus flows out. I am human, so I fail miserably sometimes, but I try to let my thoughts run along the lines of Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

The power of words, one way or the other, is staggering. I am so thankful that God left us with an entire set of words to guide us in our choice of words to ourselves, and others. I am blessed to have His Words to guide my life. I sometimes take my Bible forgranted, but whenever I take the time to dig in...I am always amazed!