The Power of Words...

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24


The Lord wants our words to be pleasant…but sometimes words can be so incredibly hurtful.

I was hurt by something that someone said to me yesterday and I can’t stop thinking about it. Women by nature are critical of our own bodies…so my goodness, why would others feel the need to point out what someone is already self-conscious about. Let me just put it out there:

NO, my body is not what it used to be. It isn’t as flawless as I would like it to be. This is something I struggle with…something I worry about. I don’t need to hear it from you.
Words are a tool for communication…and I try to be really careful about the words I choose to use with the people around me, especially my friends and family. I never want someone to feel hurt, embarrassed, or broken-hearted because of something I said. Of course I know that in life sometimes we say things we don’t mean. I have done that many times and end up regretting how my words made someone feel. But honestly, I try to always be mindful of what I am saying.
But there are people who don’t necessarily feel that way. And whether they are trying to be funny, take the attention off of themselves, or just don’t think before they speak – there are plenty of people who are going to hurt me during my life.

Ephesians 4:29 says “Do not let any unwholesome talk come of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” That is what I want to focus on – building others up:)!

Luckily, I don’t have to worry about what others say about me. I am only worried about what God thinks of me.
Yes, I have imperfections – He knows each and every one and loves me in spite of it.

Yes, my feelings get hurt and I cry in frustration – He comforts me and dries my tears.

Yes, I think of what I can say back to get “revenge,” – but He calms my thoughts and guides my heart to love.

Yes, I begin to hold a grudge – until He leads me to scripture and heals my heart. Psalm 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth , and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”

Yes, I will face many heartaches in this world – but He has prepared a place for me in heaven, where there is no hurt or pain.

I’m so amazed at how God sends messages in different ways when we are hurting. Today I read this on a blog I follow:

“I’m a friend of mine, loving my body not because it’s the sexiest, the most capable, the strongest, the healthiest; but because it was formed by a Creator who does no wrong. –Shannan Martin from Flower Patch Farm Girl

Then as I was browsing thru Pinterest – one of my friends had pinned a quote from Adele, which made me laugh and put a funny twist to my situation:

“I have insecurities, of course, but I don’t hang out with anyone who points them out to me.”