Words, Words and More Words

What a phenomenal way to communicate...  speech!  Gifted and unique above all creation we relate to one another through the amazing power of language.  From the cradle to the grave, words are spoken to us and by us that make us “who we are”. Words develop our identity. To this day, my speech patterns and colloquialisms reflect the days of my childhood. When I am frustrated I say that I am “busier than a one armed paper hanger” as did my mother. And some days I am more than happy to tell that to anyone within earshot! But there are other words I have spoken … words that tore the soul… words that were rude and prideful… insensitive words that I literally poured on others through the years. Those words remain lodged deep within hearts somewhere.  Whose identity did I impact?  What words did I share with my children? When my husband thinks of me does he primarily “hear” sweet colorful phrases spoken in a Midwestern “twang” which make him smile? After so many years of verbally expressing myself, I do not know which words of mine fell on unsuspecting ears in a grocery store, in a neighborhood or in a church house.  Oh, with the great privilege of speech comes the awesome responsibility of choosing words wisely!  There are words we can never take back. But, thank Heaven we are not alone in this quest. The LORD Himself has given us His Word as our light in the darkness and the Holy Spirit to empower us along our journey. We read.  We listen. We learn. We change. Yes, a word fitly spoken word can forever bless others and impact the Kingdom for good! As believers, beloved, we stand on holy ground. May we speak edifying words… words that impart grace to the hearer… until that glorious day when we hear Him say …“Well done, good and faithful servant!”…  Blessed be His Name!