Tuesday, February 03, 2015

Healing Tongue


During the month of January, I've been reading the Proverb of the day during my morning quiet time most mornings. So so much wisdom and challenge there!

A few things jumped out at me - but here was one I needed the most:

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."  ~ Proverbs 12:18

Immediately the phrase healing tongue cemented into my mind and heart. Friends, I confess this is a hard one for me when I am frustrated with foolishness in my children, with wasted time during school, with bad attitudes and bickering with each other {again!}, with doing less than capable of and not caring. Oh, that list could go on and on.

It is so hard. Being a mama. Being one whose words bring healing. I think part of what makes it so hard is that I see how the years are passing and I want my children to grasp certain things and learn them. But, I cannot force them to learn. I cannot force truth into their hearts - I can present it and live it but not shove it down their throats.

I want to be a gentler teacher, to model this and yet, I frequently get caught up in the hard and my words are indeed reckless.


Next, I considered ordering a cuff with those words {healing tongue} on it to remind me again and again just to keep at it and not be weighed down with my failures but to try again. But, a friend invited me to her online Noonday Trunk Show and I'd had my eye on this bracelet. It reminds me of Downton Abbey style!

I love the thought that artists in Guatemala were paid to make this and help earn a living for their families. I love that proceeds help place orphans in families. And, this is going to be my Healing Tongue bracelet. When I wear it, it will be a visible reminder to me of watching my tongue. Another way to practice slow. To slow when I am ready to speak and make sure what I am going to say is healing and not reckless.

The sparkle and the fancy also remind me of this, "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11


Proverbs 31:26, "She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

11 comments:

Shelby said...

I too OFTEN am guilty of lashing out. I absolutely hate this about myself. Praying that I can have a healing tongue.

Lisa said...

OH MY GOODNESS!!! I had a tongue yesterday with my oldest son of almost 15 which was most certainly not healing for anyone. It was the exact same issue of using time wisely and learning. Thinking on the event this morning brought such regret for my poor choice of words and reaction. God used your words today to TOTALLY speak to my heart. I had to read the end of Eph 4 today and pray I will do better. THANK YOU so much for the honesty and inspiration. I know I need to get a reminder too!

Julian said...

What a great way to remind yourself! Thanks for sharing.
Christina

Leanne said...

I just read "the fruit of righteousness is a tree of life, and whoever CAPTURES SOULS is wise" Proverbs 11:30... Mamas are soul capturers... but, it is such hard work! I pray so often that time will soften some of the harshness that I know permeates my own speech and attitudes at times... and that they will look back and see a mama who tried to model and teach truth... and sometimes the hardest truth is that I'm a sinner, in desperate need of grace.... just like them!!
on another note-- GORGEOUS BRACELET! maybe motherhood would be a bit easier if I had a butler, nanny, and a great cook like Mrs. Patmore!! blessings to you, friend!

Mrs. Chrissy T said...

The lord knew I needed to read this today! I had a ROUGH morning with my little girl! She was moody and pouty! She drags when I'm needing her to move! Besides having a gentle spirit I turned into a yelling mama! I was angry and frustrated because my heart wasn't right! Just one of those epic fail mornings! I also in January read Proverbs....I think I need to read it again and this time APPLY! Love your treasure bracelet!

Mom said...

Pretty reminder for choosing your words carefully - I like the connection to Proverbs 25.11. :)

Love you, Mom

Anonymous said...

Ohhhhh how this mama can relate. That moment when your blood begins to boil because you've said over and over, then the bickering, before you know that tongue unleashes. Many a time I head to the prayer closet to repent and gather myself to remember that they are children and they are learning. What they are learning most us from ME. My words. My actions. My emotions. The way I handle situations. I love the hard truths in the Proverbs! Last year in my time with The Lord and his Word I discovered this gem...2 Timothy 2:24...."and the Lords servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful." (I have this highlighted in pink because I think it speaks to me as a mother). This is what it says to me...parents are to teach and discipline their children without flying off the handle every time their children are rude or disrespectful. Be calm, steady, temperate, kind and gentle in the way you respond. (From Rick Renners Sparkling Gems). Being a mama is the toughest job because we feel like if our children don't listen, WE fail. I'm so glad you shared this! And I'm so glad your comments are back on! Thank u :)

*carrie* said...

I hear ya, sis. This also makes me think of Isaiah 50:4 "The sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught."

Love you!

Anonymous said...

Oh girl, do it get this!!! We are doin a study on James right now. Mercy ,some conviction there for me about my tongue!! Loved something i read from Sally Clarkson about the power of our words and how they bring life to our family and those around us. Bring life!! That was quiet powerful for me. Monica you are a good Momma, your desire is beautiful. Remember when God brings conviction it is always with hope. <3 Great post.

Elise said...

Gosh, this is SO on my mind and heart so much lately. I am a yeller, raised by yellers, and I HATE it! I so often bark at my children, and feel right justified sometimes, but I know deep down that that is not the most effective, God-honoring way. How can I want them to love God if they aren't hearing God's love pouring out of me?
I am so thankful for your honesty, because I sometimes feel like you've got it all together, and that you are so gentle. Silly, I know since I've never even met you!

Kelli said...

I really needed to see this...I have been having a hard time finding "Joy" this week. It had been overbooked and filled with sick little ones and momma.
Have a wonderful afternoon...