Unkind words and Gossip

In the innocence of childhood, I can remember repeating the phrase, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me".  This was more than likely in response to someone saying something unkind.  It was a defense that I said and I heard others say too.   I can hear the snarky tone and feel the sarcasm.  Yet I can remember going home one afternoon in elementary school and crying to my mom because of a few unkind words that someone had said to me.  Even though the other child was "teasing" and did like me, the words stung.  And it made me question things about myself.  There have been other times in life when someone's words have pierced my heart.

A few weeks ago, I spent some time with a friend I hadn't seen in a while.  I enjoyed visiting with her.  It was nice to get caught up on what was happening in her life and share with her about my life too.  The conversation turned at some point and another person became the focus.  I found myself feeling uncomfortable.  I am confident the Holy Spirit was whispering to me that I shouldn't engage in gossip.  This was hard because I knew the other person had hurt my friend.  I listened and felt compassion toward her about the hurt she felt.  I tried to not say anything that felt "gossipy".  Eventually she was talking more about the other person and less about the hurt she felt.  I attempted to shift our conversation to other topics.  I am working on becoming more assertive and this was another challenge for me.  I am fairly certain there was more I could have or should have done.  It is nice to know that as I continue to seek His guidance, the Lord will provide.

I have turned many times lately to the book of Ephesians.  I really like it.  Chapter 4 is about Unity in the Body of Christ and Living as Children of Light.  It is full of words of wisdom and ways that we should speak and act as witnesses for Christ.  Paul starts out in verses 1 and 2 saying, "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received  Be completely humble and gentle: be patient, bearing with one another in love".

Verse 29 says "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen".
Verse 31 reminds us "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you".

There have been many times that I have spoke unkind words, often out of my own grumpiness or irritability, not intending to be mean.  There are times that I have been insensitive to others' thoughts and feelings.  There are times when I have yelled because things were out of my control and I felt angry.  There are times that I have gossiped too.

  As I have prayed for God to help me with all of these things, I came across a few other verses in reading that stand out to me.  "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger" (James 1:19). And Matthew 15:18 "But the things that come out of the mouth,
 come from the heart".

  I continue to pray for transformation in my life and for God to create in me a pure heart. I want Him to write His story on my heart.  I pray for Him to interrupt my thoughts or speech if I am leaning toward gossip.  I ask Him to help me be humble, to be gentle in my thoughts, words and actions, and to be patient with others.  I have asked Him to help me only speak the truth in love and that what I say may be full of grace to all who hear my words.  I want to help build others up.  And as I have sought forgiveness, I also forgive others.  As a daughter of the King, I am confident that He will continue to help me and guide me as I seek to live according to His Word and His will for my life.

Warrior Sisters, Say that Again - May we speak the truth in love,
 full of grace and build each other up! 

Waiting and Soaring

I love eagles! As long as I can remember, seeing an eagle is one of my favorite things. Each time I see one, my heart lifts. I smile. I often shed a tear. Peace fills my heart. They represent freedom in our country and I am fortunate to live in a part of our country where they migrate each winter. A few weekends ago, I took my boys out around the edge of the lake where we could watch them. It was beautiful. They were perching above the lake in trees, swooping down to catch fish, dancing in the sky with one another and just soaring in the wind. Pretty amazing to watch. I stood in awe at the beauty of God's creation just in the eagles and the lake and the surrounding mountains. I could have stayed for hours. My children were not as enthused as I was and were ready to leave before me. If they hadn't thought to bring alternative entertainment for in the car, they wouldn't have

wanted to wait on their mom! 

I wonder what it would be like to soar on wings like eagles? to just ride the wind and dance in the sky? I do know what it is like to put my trust in God. To wait on him. To hope. He comes through every time. Not always in the ways I desire or expect, but he is always faithful. His timing is always perfect. Sometimes waiting tests our patience and it is good. It allows us opportunities to have experiences we might not have if we rush. Just like my leisurely watching of the eagles.

In reading different versions of Isaiah 40:31, the words wait, hope and "put trust in" are all used - the outcome is the same: strength from the Lord!

But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. 

They spread their wings and soar like eagles,

They run and don’t get tired,

they walk and don’t lag behind. 

                                                                                  (The Message)

but those who hope in the Lord 

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

                                                                                         (New International Version)

This is one of the first verses I memorized and I really like it. There have been times that I have been able to call up this verse to help myself or to share with someone else. In the last year, I have been challenged in some of my closest relationships. I have felt a lot of emotions. I have cried many tears. I have cried out to God. I have been encouraged by Him to make some changes. I have prayed for truth to be revealed to me and in answering that prayer, God has shown me where I've made some mistakes. He led me to be truthful with others in ways I hadn't been even though to me it felt risky. I had to trust in Him that somehow he would give me the strength and walk me through it. It hasn't been easy, but

 I've remained hopeful and some days I feel like I'm soaring on wings like eagles.

Warrior Sisters, Say that again - I'll continue to put my trust in the Lord and see

how He will renew my strength and help me soar!

These pictures are courtesy of my friend Cheryl Nichols who is a professional photographer. Her website is www.cherylnicholsphotography.com