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)