It was a casual conversation. Between friends. She asked me a question, and I answered her. She responded with eight little words that were a bucket of refreshing water dousing a fire in my discouraged, thirsty soul.
We had not talked for several months before this particular conversation. And this conversation consisted of pretty much surface topics. Just catching up, not really digging deep.
She had no way of knowing what I had recently been experiencing. She did not know what I had been battling within. She didn’t know that Satan had unleashed a barrage of self deprecating thoughts over the last few months that in my mind and heart lined up with circumstances that “proved” what I just “knew” everyone else had to be thinking about me as well.
In short, on the surface, I looked good, and other than the physical allergy attack I was experiencing, she would probably tell you that she had no idea I was struggling. Seriously struggling. She had no way of knowing I was coming off a pretty tough week, following a few pretty tough months.
The words were said in such a way that I knew she meant them. She had no agenda in saying them. Nothing to gain. Just a quick sentence spoken from her heart. And little did she know…straight to my heart. My beaten up, weary heart. Exactly what I needed to hear.
Words. Simple words. They took her less than five seconds to say them, but they meant the world to me. Words that I will forever keep tucked in my soul’s pocket. Words that I have already rehearsed many times over (in less than 24 hours).
I want to be a person who sees others. I want others to know that I value them, and I deeply care. I never want anyone to feel less than, or invisible. I want everyone to know that they are valuable and very loved.
I know I am not great at this. But it is something that I am continuously striving toward. A goal that I know many times I fall far short of reaching. A goal I know I can’t reach without the help of the Holy Spirit. Thankfully, I do have His help and can call on Him anytime.
As I was getting ready for church this morning, with my friend’s words still echoing in my heart, I prayed that the Holy Spirit would lead my words. I prayed that He would lead me to others that I could see - really see - and encourage. I prayed that my words would make a difference in the lives of those around me. I prayed that my words would be exactly what someone else needed to hear.
I don’t know. I don’t know if my words made a difference today, but I pray that they did. My friend still has no idea the impact her words had on me. Unless she reads this of course.
Words are important. How we treat everyone is important. In a world where it seems so many people are anxious, angry, and only looking out for themselves, let’s be aware of our words. Let’s choose our words carefully and allow the Lord to lead us.
Let’s strive to tune out Satan’s words that attack and demean, and tune our ears to the Word of God. The truth. Let it soak into our hearts like a balm. And let’s use our words to spread God’s Word to heal and encourage everyone, because who doesn’t need even a little more kindness in their life?
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
