Say What?

Dear Friend,

Having twin daughters frequently draws attention (even though they don’t really look alike). Often, I find myself in random conversations with strangers. Most of these conversations are at the grocery store in the checkout line. A person will look at my daughters and ask if they are twins. The girls always smile, reply yes, and tell them they are fraternal twins. That response is always followed up with “How old are you?” As soon as my daughters say they are 12 years old, I hear a myriad of negative comments. “Mom, you have your hands full. Whew, that’s double trouble! I’m praying for you, teenage years and twin girls are going to be crazy! I bet they already have attitudes!” I reply “My twins are double blessings, a gift from God, their teenage years will be blessed, and they are obedient.” As their mother, I do not allow anyone to speak negatively over my children. I recognize most people are just making small talk and don’t mean anything harmful…..but there really is no such thing as “small talk.” Words have power!

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words. Proverbs 18:21 (AMP)

What are you saying about your life, your circumstances, your money, and your family on a daily basis? This past week, I thought a lot about the things I heard from people around me. Below are just a few comments people made:

If it wasn’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all.

I’m so broke, I can’t pay attention.

F--- my life.

I hate it here.

The choir kilt (meaning killed) that song!

That boy is going to grow up and end up in prison just like his daddy.

My sinuses are killing me.

Nothing good ever happens in this city.

And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak. Matthew 12:36 (NLT)

If we really understood the power of our words, we would be more careful with them. Your financial situation may be negative right now. Your child may still be on drugs. Your job may be stressful and you may be undervalued. You may not be living the life you imagined you would be by this age. Start speaking what you want to see! Yes, work and a mindset change are required to change the situation, however, speaking negatively over it has never positively changed anything.

Take time to think about what you are saying. Remember, we will have to give an account for every idle word we said on judgment day. We will also have to deal with the fruit (consequences) of our negative words. Correct negative words others speak over you or your family. Watch the negative thoughts you allow your mind to dwell on. Get rid of negative thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts. What you think you will inevitably speak.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NLT)

Doubly blessed,

Tracye M.