When I was young, I can remember my Grandma saying to us, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” At that time I really didn’t comprehend the full reasoning behind that statement. As I’ve gotten older, I understand it all too well!
My first marriage was one of abuse - physical, verbal, emotional. It lasted four years, without one week going by that I didn’t wear the bruises my husband gave me. The feelings of that time, many years ago, are still with me today - as fresh and as raw as they were then. I can remember how hurtful were the things he would say to me - even more so than the beatings. I always knew the bruises and the injuries would heal, but the words hung in the air all around me.
Words spoken can never be erased. Once spoken they are always there - waiting to be brought forward and felt over and over again! Waiting for the opportune moment to tell you, once again, that what you have been told is “truth” that you are worthless and your life has no meaning.
23 A wise man’s heart guides his mouth,
and his lips promote instruction.
24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 16
So many years of hurtful words have scarred me. Actions that caused me physical and emotional pain have left me feeling empty - wondering if I am worthy of being loved. I’m thankful that I have the love of our Lord to sustain me - to fill up the emptiness. I am working now to increase my knowledge of Him - to become closer in my relationship to God. To grasp the fact that He can love me and will never leave me!
Some days are more difficult than others. I’ve really been struggling the past three weeks. Where would I be without faith and the support I have from those closest to me. I don’t know. I don’t want to know because I would surely be lost.
7 A fool’s mouth is his undoing,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man’s inmost parts.
9 One who is slack in his work
is brother to one who destroys.
Proverbs 18
I pray that before I speak - I will always think about my words. Think about the affect they have on someone else.
In His Love and Blessings
annb
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