Have you ever noticed how many memes there are in Blogger Ville? I mean seriously, you could find MANY for every day of the week.. I'm trying out a few (did you notice?) and we'll see what happens.. If you all think I"m overextending your limits of readership, let me know okay?
So today.....
(Picture from Susan's blog at Forever His. Click on here to check out the rest of the "In Other Words" participants.)
Kind words.. Have YOU been the recipient of kind words? Do you pass them along? I love the thought of how EASY it is to hand them out and what a blessing to those who receive them. (Okay, it's not ALWAYS easy, sometimes, when I want to yell at my kids, kind words are farthest from my mind, but what a blessing for them if I can pause, pray, and manage to be kind.)
When Seth was in the hospital, especially at the end, we were surrounded by family and friends, people who loved us. And for the most part, the majority of these people were nice and respectful. But oh, the blessings of the kind words. I don't know that I even appreciated all the kind words spoken at the time but oh, as they echo now, how I cherish them.
One evening, as we stood around Seth's crib, one of the nurses commented "I think he's the healthiest looking single-ventricle I've ever seen" and the others nearby agreed. Honestly, at the time, I remember thinking "For all the good it did us." That was my hurting heart speaking. Now, I cling to the words that nurse took the time to speak out loud. It cost her nothing. But oh what the knowledge that we did the best WE could for Seth does for my husband and I. And my dear sweet friends, I am blessed by women who came around me and in not knowing what to say, or fearing being UNkind, simply said "I love you" and "I'm hurting too". The kindness in words, spoken, and tongues held when appropriate rings in my heart.
I long to be a giver of kind words. Furthermore, I long to be a giver of GODLY kind words. Lord, help me to boldly speak of Your will and Your love for others. Help me to be kind out loud.
10 comments:
What a wonderful post. I think this is a good reminder that kind words take so little to give and can mean so much.
Your wisdom and understanding even through your pain and greif amazes me. It's true, kind words make all the difference in the world and can touch your heart and your soul in ways that nothing else can. I'm glad that you hear them and can draw strength from them.
I like the picture of handing out kind words, being a giver of kind words. What a blessing it is not only for those receiving but those giving too.
Being a giver of Godly kind words...a worthy ambition for any of us. Thanks for sharing.
I long to be a giver of kind words, too! Excellent post.
Thank you for sharing the power of kind words given. My heart echos with yours, may we be a giver of Godly kind words. Thanks for sharing today.
Thanks for joining us today!
What a personal reflection on kind words...you know they really do "carry" us in difficult times...
Words to remember...they echo...
Peace to you!
lori
It is easy to hand out kind words, isn't it? I think the more important thing is the sincerity with which we pass them out -- and that degree of sincerity (whether we realize it or not) is very evident to the recipient.
Great thoughts here -- thank you for joining us today. Look forward to visiting you again!
~esthermay @The Heart of a Pastor's Wife
Thank you so much for joining IOW. It's listed on my site each Friday of what the new quote will be, so I sure hope you continue to join us.
I've a few things in common with you - first thankful we are sisters in Jesus. I am very familiar with HLHS as we have met many with children with this - because our 12 year old daughter also has a list of defects. She had 2 open heart surgeries when she was just over a year old and then just 3.5 weeks ago had emergency open heart surgery (a miracle story that is on my blog). I also have buried two children, so I know that deep grief you walk through. I had a stillborn daughter @36 weeks and then 4 years ago lost a 16 year old son. Life is hard . . . but God is good.
Thank you for sharing about the kindness of words - and was also thrilled to see you won Lynnette's drawing for the doll. I've known Lynnette thru the internet for over 10 years. Her book is wonderful.
May God bless you and encourage you as you grow in Him.
Loni
PS - as a "heads up" I will be having several book drawings on my blog coming up - several of which you may be interested in - or want to purchase if you do not win. Just thought I'd let you know! :)
Great post, kind words do go a long way. I think Kayleigh will love her baby.
Millie and Colin
Post a Comment