Tuesday, April 13, 2021
WORDS MATTER
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver”
Proverbs 25:11
Words have always excited me. As an elementary age student my favorite books in the library were the World Book and the dictionary. I simply loved learning new words and learning about those words. I also idolized anyone who was articulate when it came to speaking and using those words. But above all else, as I grew and matured, I realized the power of words. They can motivate or deflate thoughts, dreams, and actions. Words have the power to excite or sadden, inspire or frighten, elate or anger…..or give hope.
The past year has found us surrounded by all of those and affected by their results. If we could only take a few thoughtful minutes before responding and be more careful in crafting those responses, our impact on others could be life changing. This isn’t always easy to do, but might be worth the practice. I hope the following story will warm your heart.
In the 1950’s, Mary grew up knowing she was different from other kids and she hated it. Because she had a cleft palate, she had learned to steel herself against the jokes and teasing about her misshapen nose and garbled speech. She was convinced that no one outside her family could ever love her……until she entered Mrs. Leonard’s class. Mrs. Leonard had a warm smile, a round face and beautiful brown hair. All the children liked her, but Mary grew to love her.
Unfortunately Mary had a speech impediment due to her cleft lip, along with being partially deaf in one ear. Because she had a hearing test coming up and not wanting the class to have something else to tease her about, she thought of a way to cheat on the hearing test. She could pass the whisper test by covering her bad ear and turning her good ear toward the teacher. When it came time for her whisper test, Mary clearly heard Mrs. Leonard say, “ I wish you were my little girl.” Those seven small words changed Mary’s life FOREVER. That’s because words are things. Things that could help change someone’s life.
If we knew that someone was listening in on our conversations, would their life be changed for better or worse? I once read a quote that said, “Never say anything you wouldn’t want the town gossip to hear.”
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 18:4 “A person’s words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.
Proverbs 15:4 tells us “Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”
Each moment is a new beginning. Mary’s life changed the moment she heard Mrs. Leonard say, “ I wish you were my little girl.”
Today use your words to dispense apples of gold in settings of silver. Whisper words of encouragement.
Heavenly Father, we look to you for priceless words that are filled with love and acceptance, words of encouragement and grace. In Your name we pray. Amen.
Barbara Schneider
