Once Upon The Lips!

Dieting women have sometimes quipped, “Once on the lips, forever on the hips.” The idea behind this statement is that what goes into the mouth (amount and types of food) will ultimately SHAPE the body. Though taking good care of our body is important, we must also never underestimate the importance of considering what goes ONCE FROM THE LIPS can SHAPE THE LIVES of others for years to come in either negative or positive ways.

The story has been told of seven-year-old Marta who began to cook dinner for her family of four. It was the early 1900’s. Her mother had become seriously ill and Marta was considered to be the natural choice. She had a younger sister, Gracey, who wasn’t fond of domestic tasks. She would rather read or do puzzles. Gracey’s parents believed her to be intelligent and weren’t stern with her regarding her chores. Therefore, Marta being very adept at tackling household tasks, carried the weight. Marta was creative, a good artist -- and she was also very bright. However, when it came time for the girls (who were close in age) to go to college, their parents saw fit for Gracey to attend, but not Marta. She was heartbroken. Her father said to her, “Well, you’re not as smart as Gracey. But don’t worry, you’re a good cook.” Marta is now 90. She has lived a full and exciting life. She’s an avid reader and has an amazing mind. Eighty years later, she still talks about those words from her father. She still believes she’s not very smart. [source: bulletin clipping (phrasing edited some)]

A statement ONCE FROM THE LIPS of Marta’s father had a lifelong impact on her life. There is POWER IN WORDS that can create more of a weight than the adding up of calories from food eaten. Such can take a drastic toll on a life in emotional, physical, and spiritual ways. Excess calories eaten may be burned off easier than reversing the damage of SEARING WORDS spoken without consideration of their impact.

Solomon noted…
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but THE TONGUE OF THE WISE BRINGS HEALING.” ( Proverbs 12:18 ESV)

Words, like a thrusting sword, can cut, maim, sever, and ultimately kill desire, enthusiasm, and the will to press on. On the other hand, there is beneficial healing that can be brought about with the wise use of the tongue. It is wise to give careful consideration to what we say and how we say it.

Solomon also encouraged that…
“GRACIOUS WORDS are like a honeycomb, SWEETNESS TO THE SOUL AND HEALTH TO THE BODY.” ( Proverbs 16:24 ESV)

There are healthy and unhealthy statements that can pass through our lips. Each has the potential of having a lasting impact on the lives of others. A statement (whether good or bad) may only need to be said once to have such an impact.

Paul urged…
“LET YOUR SPEECH ALWAYS BE GRACIOUS, SEASONED WITH SALT, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” ( Colossians 4:6 ESV)

Yes, may our “speech always be gracious.” As we consider the characteristics and abilities of others, let us give due thought to the words we use. What we say has potential to SHAPE the focus and life of those to whom we speak. Perhaps our motto should be, “Once on the lips, forever having been worth saying.”

Have a great day SPEAKING WORDS WORTH REMEMBERING!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Speech