Sometimes
the Holy Spirit brings something to our attention that needs
addressing. When this happens, we have to switch gears and follow His
lead. In light of this, I am going to digress from the blessings of God
and focus on what He is saying this week.
Yesterday,
someone spoke hurtful words in my direction. Someone close to me.
Someone I should be able to trust with my heart. Someone who should know
better than to say things to wound me. Someone who should strive to
build me up, not fill my world with strife.
Which started my thought process.
So
many times, I counsel women who have been torn down by the words of
others. Their self-esteem is shot. They think negative thoughts about
themselves and life. Their words reflect the damage done to their heart.
Some suffer from severe depression. Some are physically afflicted from
the bondage of their internal agony.
I
also think of bullying when I consider the harm words can do. We often
think of bullying as being pushed around. We have images of Ralphie
running from Scut Farkus. It may lead up to physical contact, but my
experience is that bullying begins with words. The words are manipulative and work to bind someone in a spirit of fear.
Remember the adage, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me?" It's a lie. Flat out. Sticks and stones will break our bones, and harmful words will destroy our innermost being.
I'd like to follow the Lord's leading and take a look at words and the harm they can do to others. I'd also like to discuss how we can overcome those negative words and thought patterns others have poured into our hearts. Invite your friends to join us. I pray God uses this to bring healing to many, just as He brings healing to me each time I take those negative thoughts captive and give them to Jesus. Join me tomorrow for our first Thoughtful Words post.
Photo Courtesy of Maja Pi
