Words.

They come too easily.  They don’t come at all.

Sometimes I’m afraid I’ll say too much–other times I wish I had said more.

We use our words to hurt and to heal.

A friend of mine lost her mother only days ago and since that time, has received words that have encouraged her and strengthened her–as well as words that hurt and brought pain.

You would think that anyone that knew someone had just experienced the loss of a parent would have a little sympathy, but it’s just not always the case.  No amount of words of encouragement can erase the memory of the painful ones.

Oh how I wish I could easily erase those words that have been a source of pain–not just for me, but for others around me.

Truth be told sometimes those hurtful words come from me…  Far too often I find myself so focused on myself and my agenda that I don’t take the time to consider how my words will affect others.  I know I’m not alone in my guilt, but that doesn’t make me feel better.  I need so much more than someone to commiserate with me.  I need to “undo” those words and make it right.  If only we could…

I have heard it said that it takes five words of encouragement to overpower that one word of negativity.  For some reason, our brains have a “negativity bias”.  We always seem to be able to remember those hurtful words much easier (and much longer!) than the positive ones.  The truth is, no amount of apology can erase the board of criticism or sarcasm.  Healing from that kind of pain comes only from within.  The source of forgiveness for that kind of offense is the same for the one that’s been offended:  The One who created us and knows our thoughts and intentions.  HE is the only one that can remove the hurt and the sin.

 For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another.

⁴ But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love
for mankind appeared,
⁵ He saved us—
not by works of righteousness that we had done,
but according to His mercy,
through the washing of regeneration
and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

Titus 3:3-5

Time for the “SO WHAT?”  So, what do I choose to do today, in light of the Truth?

❤️ Vickie