Words.
Words can build you up. They can make you or someone you know feel loved. Feel wonderful. Feel beautiful. They let you know how someone feels. How much you might be appreciated.
Words can also destroy, not just you, but others as well. Believe it or not, words are not forgotten. Do you remember "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me."? Well, that's a lie. They do hurt. Bad.
Over the years, I have had many words spoken or yelled at me. I have been made to feel absolutely wonderful and loved. I have also been made to feel worthless. Because of the latter, I have tried very hard to select the words that I use. To know when to speak and when not to speak. I have to admit that I haven't always been successful at that but I try. I try to think before I speak. Unfortunately, that has been seen as being apathetic which couldn't be further from the truth. I often have a great deal to say, but wish to ponder what to say or if I should say anything at all. Again, unfortunately, there has been a time or two when I spoke when I should have been quiet. When that happens, you have to go back and do damage control, explain what you said or why you said it. Sometimes it's the truth, but possibly could have been spoken in a different way.
"May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be pleasing to you oh Lord, my rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14
This scripture is also a song that we used to sing quite often when I was in the praise band, but we hadn't until today. It was so perfect to go along with the sermon and with how I have been feeling for a while.
"May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be pleasing to you, pleasing to you.
May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be pleasing to you, my God.
You're my rock and my redeemer, you're the reason that I sing, I desire to be a blessing in your eyes.
Every hour every moment, Lord I want to be your servant, I desire to be a blessing in your eyes, in your eyes." Shane Barnard
These words. So powerful. So beautiful. Something I have to think about before I speak. Do you?
P.S. Thanks Bill Thomas for the sermon and Chris Strickland for the song.
