Think Before We Speak - "Tweet-Tweet"

by Jennifer Haynes

FROM A BOOK ENTITLED:

"WISDOM WALKS" 40 LIFE PRINCIPLES for a SIGNIFICANT & MEANINGFUL JOURNEY by DAN BRITTON & JIMMY PAGE

The principle of the book is to: LIVE INTENTIONALLY, MAXIMIZE RELATIONSHIPS, PASS THE TORCH



Can you recall a time when you said something hurtful(or something hurtful was said to you)and came to the realization that nothing from that point forward would ever heal the hurt that was caused in that moment?

Thinking on this, how did it affect you then and how does it affect you now?

What could you do to reconcile (if possible) the relationship you damaged?

How can you avoid this type of situation with someone else?

What can you do to help yourself remember to THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK or ACT?


This is a previous FB post that I did last year.


Words are a powerful thing. Even though we've all heard the old adage, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," it's not true is it? We've all experienced pain from what others have said to us. Often we can even remember those hurtful, discouraging words decades later.
Today's technology has created a platform to instantly broadcast our every thought or feeling. Texting, email, websites and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have totally transformed the ways we communicate. Twitter has become so popular that if you're not "tweeting" eyes roll to tell you you're missing out! You can "Tweet" that you're bored and eating ice cream as long as you use 140 characters or less.
But when you start to read some of the stuff that's being tweeted and how it instantly makes its way around the world into the headlines and onto the talk shows, you realize how careful you have to be with your words. These "tweets" can't be taken back. And they're instantly forwarded from one end of the earth to the other.
All these options create a powerful, permanent record. People have lost their jobs for things they've said through e-mail. Others have broken off relationships with a text message. Athletes openly disagree with decisions of their coaches and team owners. And now colleges and employers are looking at applicants' online identities as they consider them for admission or employment. A little scary isn't it?

"If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder whenever the captain wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but makes great boasts. Consider that a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire... no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise the Lord and Father, and with it curse men, who have been made in God's likeness, Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be." James 3:2-10

Just as the small bit in the mouth of a horse controls the direction of the horse and a small rudder on a ship controls the direction of the ship, our words -- spoken and written -- control the direction of our life. They linger on as a permanent record. But if the bit, the rudder, and our tongue are contolled, each can be used for wonderful purposes. When the horse is under control, it can plow the field. When the ship is controlled, it can deliver great cargo. When the tongue is controlled, we bring life to those around us - through encouragement, praise, compassion, love, and kindness.
The words we speak are an overflow of what's in our heart. Will your words be encouraging or discouraging? Criticism or praise? Life or death? All reflect the state of your heart. Words are powerful and permanent. How are you mastering yours?

PRAYER:
Father help me to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Reveal to me the condition of my heart -- any envy, anger, or pride -- because I know the words that come out of my mouth are a reflection of what's inside me. Help me to be more careful with my tongue, so that my life heads in the direction You've designed it to go. Control my words so I can speak words of life that build up, encourage, and inspire my friends and family.

"WISDOM WALKS - 40 LIFE PRINCIPLES for a SIGNIGICANT & MEANINGFUL JOURNEY" BY DAN BRITTON & JIMMY PAGE
SUMMERSIDE PRESS

MY PERSONAL PRAYER REQUEST:
Lord, I also ask that you take away the hurt and pain of past words spoken to me. It is difficult to move past this unrelenting pain. I always try my best to speak words of encouragement and kindness to show others love. Please continue to steer me in this direction, always being mindful, cautious and slow to speak, for I know the pain that words can cause -- a heartbreak that sometimes can never be healed by man, but only by You. Amen

Testimonial

"Integrity Beauty is a beautiful program, led by a true woman of integrity who truly loves the Lord. We, at the Miss Christian International Organization, encourage Integrity Beauty and Roberta to keep this vision alive and pure. As we continue to pray for your strength and health always remember, Joshua 1:8. IB has and will continue to be an inspiration to many.We are so excited to be working with IB.

Much success and many blessings"

- Sable Butler

President/CEO, Miss Christian International