You must always use your powers for good!

Beginning when Meredyth was a little girl, I would tell her "You must always use your powers for good, darling!" She asked me one day why I never said that to her brothers. I told her that girls have to be very careful because we can manipulate people and situations with our words and actions. She knew it was true: she could change her tone just a little and smile brilliantly whenever she wanted something! We girls learn that early.

The Bible says so many things about the power of the tongue and how it can harm people. I recently downloaded "The Power of a Woman's Words" on my Nook. I haven't finished it yet, because I have chosen to slow down and really study it.

I have actually done a few studies on our words and the negative impact they can have on people. They have been very helpful. This book also explores the effect that our positive words have on others. It has opened my eyes to the incredible gift I can give just by looking for words that will encourage! Sharon Jaynes says in that group of muscles called the tongue "lies an instrument with huge potential for good or evil, to build up or to tear down, to empower or devour, to heal or to hurt. Our words can make or break a marriage, paralyze or propel a friend, sew together or tear apart a relationship, build up or bury a dream, curse God or confess Christ. With our tongues we defend or destroy, heal or kill, cheer or churn. And we, as women, seem to be quite talented at deciding when and where to wield this tiny sword."

That is scary! No wonder it says in Proverbs 18:21 "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." We have the choice every time we speak - will we discourage or encourage? The author quotes a little girl during a children's sermon who said our words should "be like silver boxes with bows on top". They should be verbal presents. Isn't that a precious thought?

I want my words to be verbal presents. I don't want them to maime and destroy others. I recently prayed that God would teach me to be mindful of everything I say. I even stated that I wanted to learn it so much that I would resort to putting duct tape on my mouth if necessary! (I hope it doesn't come to that!)

This book reminds me that not only do I need to not say negative things, I must replace them with beautiful, encouraging words. I have a hunch that when I accomplish this discipline, my joy will overflow!