Hello God, it's me, Mara

In Your Holy Word, Lord, we read: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue ... " (Proverbs 18:21). We need to be more careful of what we say and how we say it.

Children forever wear the bruises of words carelessly spoken by playmates, peers, parents and teachers. How they understand those words could possibly determine their attitudes and actions throughout their whole life. We surely know young or older folks who have come from a background like that, or are still in that state of affairs. Could be that the aforementioned folks also came from such a background and haven't a clue as how to change.

If we, young or old, are constantly criticized and fed negatives words, our self-esteem plummets. On the other hand, if children (folks in general) are praised and given encouragement, they blossom.

There's an old story about two workers who usually rode to work together in one car. The wife of one man was the driver and then would take the car back home as parking was difficult near the job-site.

The story goes like this:  One man said, "Every day when your wife bids you 'good-bye' she usually says something like, 'Thank you for everything.'" His curiosity had gotten the better of him. "Can you tell me what it means when she tells you that every day?"

The husband replied, "She is one of the most thoughtful and grateful women in the world." And with that he straightened his shoulders and went to work with a confidence that spoke for itself.

It behooves all of us to be appreciative and thankful, for there is much You have given us, Lord, so very much. Reading Proverbs 18:20-21: "Ability to give wise advice satisfies like a good meal. Those who love to talk will suffer the consequences. Men have died for saying the wrong thing!"

Love, Mara