I limped into an interesting podiatrist office visit thanks to the words of the female staff member. She walked in, looked at me then turned to leave. Upon her return, she told me she had to go double check her chart because she thought I was the wrong patient. “Girl, can I just say you look good!” “I thought you were too young to be the patient on my chart.” She gave me a fist bump but her words were a huge bump to my confidence.
I was a bit shocked about the power of her words. I had been sitting there thinking about the potential pain I was about to experience. My previous visit included an excruciating shot in my big toe which then led to the removal of my toenail. Even sitting in that room thinking about it was leaving me queasy and sure I would soon pass out! Now, suddenly her words gave me the confidence I needed to face what may come next.
Our words are incredibly powerful.
“ Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)
Have you ever considered how you leave a person after a conversation? Have you built them up or condemned? It’s worth a consideration since your life reflects the fruit of your tongue. To speak life is to speak God’s perspective on any issue. To speak death is to declare life’s negatives, defeat or complain.
We can lay down our freedom of speech (freedom to say whatever comes to mind) and weigh our words against death and life. Let’s commit to use that power with wisdom and be intentional at breathing life into our conversations.
The people in your life will notice and be thankful!
You should be happy to know, I made it through my visit with all 10 toes in order and a little extra spring to my step!
Image courtesy of “Woman Walking On Toes, Closeup Shot” by stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Copyright©2016, Gloria Stucky