Before we begin, I'd like to share a poem I came across while looking
through some of my children's books. It is written by Anna Hempstead Branch
and was listed among a selection of poems on the family. I think you'll
see why it caught my attention...
Her Words
My mother has the prettiest of tricks
Of words and words and words.
Her talk comes out as smooth and sleek
As breasts of singing birds.
She shapes her speech all silver fine
Because she loves it so,
And her own eyes begin to shine
To hear her stories grow.
And if she goes to make a call
Or out to take a walk,
We leave our work when she returns
And run to hear her talk.
We had not dreamed these things were so
Of sorrow and of mirth.
Her speech is as a thousand eyes
Through which we see the earth.
God wove a web of loveliness,
Of clouds and stars and birds,
But made not anything at all
So beautiful as words.
They shine around our simple earth
With golden shadowings,
And every common thing they touch
Is exquisite with wings.
There's nothing poor and nothing small
But is made fair with them.
They are the hands of living faith
That touch the garment's hem.
They are as fair as bloom or air,
They shine like any star,
And I am rich who learned from her
How beautiful they are.
What a weighty lesson this poem carries for us…. I don't know about you,
but I'm regularly convicted of my words, not only via the Bible, but also
through other avenues such as in the reading of this poem. Certainly this
woman referred to in rhyme opened her mouth with wisdom as well as creativity!
Hence, her children learned to develop a love for language and the importance
of word usage. I must confess there have been days when I couldn't stand
the sound of my own voice, let alone the words that came out of my mouth…
We tend to forget how weighty our words are, and as mothers we must keep
careful watch over each word for the sake of our children! As I underlined
above, a mother's speech is as a thousand eyes through which her children
see the earth; they view life through everything we say, each word coloring
their thoughts. If that is true, and I believe it is, what have your children
seen, dear lady? For me, this poem was a sober reminder of the responsibility
we have to nourish our children with our words, as well as train them
to order their own speech aright! Do your children love to hear you talk,
or do they cringe when their mother opens her mouth? Would they run to
soak up your speech? How about your friends, your neighbors, your husband?
Is there beauty in all your communications; are they a "web of loveliness"
or a sticky trap? The Bible says words of men can be vain, irritating,
hasty, irreverent, enticing, flattering, insincere, proud and malicious.
However, scripture also says our words can be wise, right, pleasant, appropriate,
gracious, inspiring and unforgettable, comforting, and kind. Let's look
at a few examples of the right way to utilize them...
Genesis 50:21 (KJV)
Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And
he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
Here we find that kind words are comforting to others... Even when dealing
with those family members who forsook him and probably disappointed him
greatly, Joseph still exercised the right type of speech in their company.
Hence, we know he was of an excellent spirit by his response! Of what
nature are your responses these days?
2 Chron. 10:7 (KJV)
And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please
them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever.
What power our words hold! It is when we speak properly that we win the
loyalty and affections of those we spend our good words on. Yes, conflicts
can be improved as well as avoided; all it takes is a little self-denial
and directing of the tongue. Is that too high a price for you to pay?
Job 4:4 (KJV)
Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened
the feeble knees.
Words used improperly place undue weight on the heart of the hearer, while
words used appropriately can carry enormous loads and lighten the burdens
of those with whom we share them! Would you say your words typically strengthen
folks with feeble knees, or bring weakness to a once steady limb? Are
your words capable of revitalizing individuals in a state of decline or
are they a stumbling block to all who enter your presence? Are people
made better for talking with you or made worse?
Proverbs 12:25 (KJV)
Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh
it glad.
Yes, good words have a boosting power to them; they can take a droopy
heart heavy with concern and rejuvenate it. Ladies, the Word of God provides
that same boosting power to our lives as well, for every one of the Lord's
words are good! Are you letting God refresh you by consistently spending
time in the Bible? How about scripture memorization? Certainly my own
words stand to be greatly affected by God's Words filling my heart - and
so will yours! To be honest with you, it should be easy for our loved
ones to compose a comparable poem as this about the affect our words have
upon them. Let's beautify our talk with the purifying power of the indwelling
truth. Strive to shape your speech in such a way as to inspire your children
in their appreciation for God's gift of language!
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2001 Pamela A. Iannello
Revised 2003
