Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Sticks and Stones...

Sticks and stones
may break my bones
but words can never
hurt me

Just a little ditty we used to sing as children 
when the other kids would call us names or 
tell us we were stupid, 
or fat, 
or ugly. 

Our parents would try to comfort us... 
"They're just words...they can't hurt you." 
But they were wrong.....

Words can indeed hurt us. 
A harsh word
A careless word 
A sarcastic word

There is something deep within us that is 
deeply wounded when words are used as weapons.
And we try to overcome that pain
by holding "conversations" 
in our heads.

But, somehow those conversations
never resolve the situation
nor do they soothe the pain.
They only seem to 
create a deeper ache.

We want to know 
"Why?"
"Why would they say that?"
Sometimes we may never have the answer.

Sometimes words are born of 
bitterness
anger
pain
disappointment
discouragement.

"But the things that come out of 
a person's mouth 
come from the heart."
Matthew 15:18

It's a "heart condition"
that can spread
from one to another 
with more....
Words

But there is an alternative...

"If anyone speaks, 
they should do so 
as one who speaks 
the very words of God"
1 Peter 4:11

Forgiveness doesn't always come easy;
But it is a necessary antibiotic
to the poisonous words
poured over you.
Where do we run?
How do we start
forgiving?

There is a place
A haven
A balm

In the shelter of Your presence...
You keep them safe in Your dwelling
from accusing tongues.
Psalm 31:20 (NIV)



In the shelter of Your presence,
I will rest in Your dwelling.
And as I allow Your love to heal
my broken heart,
I pray....



"Let the words of my mouth
And the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Thy sight
O Lord, My Strength
and My Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 (KJV)