We've all got a superpower. Maybe we don't realize it or take it as seriously as we ought. But we've got the power of life and death. It's literally on the tip of our tongue. Our words. Just as "superpowers" can be used to good or evil, so it is with our words.
The tongue has the power of life and death Proverbs 18:21
We often tend to dwell on the harsh, hurtful, or careless words spoken to, about, or over us. I'm guilty of this: whether from someone close to me or a random stranger. (Perhaps not too surprising-with twins and four kids under six- I get my fair share of stranger comments in the grocery store.)
Recently I've been reminded of the life giving, encourage your struggling heart power of a few simple words. Words which could have remained unsaid and for which I would have been none the wiser. Instead two ladies chose to be intentional without realizing the reaction they would trigger and how God would use them to stir and encourage this mama's heart.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up 1Thess. 5:11
With four young children there are no simple trips. Going to the store can be quite the production: some drama, some tears, some joy, some violence- pretty decent thematic material I have to admit. Some days are great. Others you're exhausted before ever spilling out of the minivan.
Recently we were in a small store shopping for a birthday gift. The kids were so excited and I enjoyed watching their eagerness and what I hope was a development in the joy of giving. With that comes the need to help manage behavior, teach financial practicality, corral the wandering child, and remind them "no we aren't buying for ourselves" as this trip is about someone else, while keeping an eye on the baby who may have been precariously wedged in a questionably sanitary cart.
Also, my children have just two volume settings: only two!
1. Refusing to vocalize at all.
2. Decibels even the hearing impaired- such as myself- may be overwhelmed by.
I'm sure you can imaging which "setting" we were on this particular day. I'm convinced the entire store knew our mission , my nieces name, my kid's favorite candy, and the fact I often call my children by their siblings' names.
As were were checking out a dear woman whom we had passed (or obstructed her path) down numerous aisles took the time to say just two sentences.
"You're such a good mama. You've been so patient."
I was a complete stranger to her. Yet, she took took time to speak words of encouragement to me. Honestly, I embarrassingly tried to brush it off at the time-thanks to my socially awkward personality and need to deflect.
But little did she know PATIENCE was the exact thing I EPICALLY failed the day prior. She spoke directly to the corner of this mama's heart that was dark with the discouragement of mom guilt. My heavenly father used her sweet words to nurture and encourage. How thankful I am for her intentionality.
The second person was recently a kind woman tasked with teaching my children an important life skill. As parents of young children we don't always see the immediate fruits (or recognize them) when attempting to teach our children skills, principles, and character building. Children sometimes rebel and resist our guidance to the point of painful. After a week of one-on-one time with my children she responded to my "thank you" with "you have very teachable children".
Ya'll, I can't even tell you what that did for my heart. My kids aren't perfect and this isn't written to be about them or myself., but to let you know the words we so casually say can literally make someone's heart swell. She likely doesn't remember that moment. I'll never forget it.
So, my fellow mamas. Let's remember the literal power of life at the tip of our tongue. How often I've found myself admiring some aspect about another's skill, character, parenting tactic or just identifying with another sister who is walking where I recently trod; yet failed to speak that encouragement, that word of understanding.
So this is my challenge to myself and I hope you'll join me. Let's don our "superhero" capes (forget the leotards) and let's just SAY IT. It won’t cost us much but it may be priceless to the one receiving.
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