That's Going to Leave a Mark

My children have inherited many things from us, including a warped sense of humor. This was incredibly evident at an early age in our son, Matthew.  When he was just a preschooler, he and my husband were watching cartoons one Saturday morning. They happened to be watching Wile E. Coyote in his never ending pursuit of the elusive Road Runner.  When an anvil hit Wile E. on the head (as it always does) my son said, “That’s going to leave a mark”. 
I was thinking about that story the other day and the phrase, “that’s going to leave a mark” got stuck in my head.  It had me wondering about the ways I leave a mark.  True, I don’t typically go around dropping anvils on people’s heads. In fact, I’ve never thrown an anvil.  However, I do use many, many words daily and those words have the power to leave a mark.
Each and every day I am blessed with the opportunity to speak and interact with my family, friends, neighbors, and total strangers. Sometimes I totally underestimate the responsibility that goes along with each conversation I have. Words are powerful.  As the old saying goes, “It’s up to me to choose whether to use my power for good or evil”.  Proverbs 18:21 says:
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Essentially this verse tells us that what we say will have an effect that is either positive or negative. I can use words to encourage and build up others or I can use words to hurt and destroy them. Either way, I’m going to leave a mark.
My prayer is that the Lord will make me continually aware of the power of the words I use and grant me wisdom, no matter who I am speaking to. Each conversation we have is an opportunity to “use our power for good”.  No exchange is insignificant. It doesn’t matter if I am speaking to my family or exchanging pleasantries with a sales clerk. I am also seeking to be careful in the words I write on this blog, via email, text messages or on Facebook.   I love the way the NIRV puts it in Proverbs 16:23-24:
The hearts of wise people guide their mouths. Their words make people want to learn more. Pleasant words are like honey. They are sweet to the spirit and bring healing to the body.
My prayer is that the Lord guides us with each word we say. May we use words that are uplifting and healing.  Ultimately, may we be a blessing to others.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Loving & Serving Others

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.   If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. As I read these verses today, I am challenged to find ways to love others deeply, to serve them, and to offer hospitality during this most unusual time. I fully believe that with God all things are possible. We may have to think outside the box, but it can be done.   I am so encouraged as I see that some of the worst times are bringing out the best in many people. We have the ability to serve one another in so many ways, despite our current situation.
Read more

Where the Tweet Hits the Street or A White Suburban Woman's Call to Confront Racism

As I sit before an empty screen and type, my heart is anything but empty. My heart is full; full of sadness, despair, guilt, confusion, pain, and questions. The divide in our nation is deep, deeper than I’ve ever seen it. I have literally and figuratively been driven to my knees in prayer and brokenness. The problems we face are enormous and I am just one person. Moreover, I am just one 55 year old white woman from the suburbs.  So, I’ve prayed and prayed. I have cried out to God, asking him what I should do. HE has replied, over and over by putting these words on my heart. I am going to share them in several different versions because as I have parked on Micah 6:8, each version has added clarity to my focus. He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (NIV) He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to w
Read more

Sidewalk Chalk, Christmas Lights & Fruit

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV What an amazing passage to being my day! I am reminded to trust in the Lord and promised that because I am planted in HIM, I don’t have to fear circumstances. This passage also makes it my heart’s desire to continue to bear fruit to HIS glory in this season. My heart is truly overflowing as I read these words in Jeremiah.  I felt I had to do something today so my daughter, Carly and I headed outside. Together we covered our driveway with encouraging words and happy images for our neighbors. As we were chalking, we waved at everyone driving past and they returned our waves. Friends, it is the little things! Now, as I type this, my husband is outside stringing up
Read more