I was in the middle of cleaning the house when I heard that familiar tone letting me know I had a text message. Like most of us, I stopped what I was doing to read the text. The text was from a friend letting me know his wife had shared my blog and he liked what he had read. He was even looking forward to my next post. I thought it funny how that this small gesture put a smile on my face and added a bounce to my step. It made my day!
That brings me to the title of today’s post, The Power of a Kind Word.
We must not forget that words have power. They have the power to lift each other up, and they most definitely have the power to tear each other down. I am sure this is no surprise to anyone.
In today’s digital world, it is so easy to react before we think. Unfortunately, most often that reaction is unkind and destructive. We read something or hear something that we don’t agree with, it makes us mad and oh boy we are speedy to respond with an eruption of opinion. We fail to take a moment to think about how our words will impact anyone, and frankly, probably don’t care. We feel justified and it is way too easy to just react.
On the flip side, do you find it strange that sharing a kind word will sometimes feel uncomfortable and foreign? Do you worry about what the person may think about you or how they may respond? How often do we let those reservations stop us from a simple act of kindness? It really is ironic that the most natural thing of loving one another has become such a difficult thing to achieve but the expression of hate takes no thought at all.
Last Sunday in church, a woman approached my husband and me to introduce herself and welcome us. It was very nice since we are new to the congregation and really don’t know anyone yet. Then out of the blue, I felt compelled to say, “I want to tell you what a joy it is to watch you during worship”. Immediately I felt like a creeper. Part of me was like, Oh. Great, now you’re the crazy woman in the church.” Probably wouldn’t be the first time and probably won’t be the last time people think that of me. Lol. She smiled, seemed a bit surprised, and shared how much she loves to worship. It was wonderful to see her face light up as she continued to greet others. Honestly, I am not sure who had a bigger smile, her or me. I truly feel that the Holy Spirit placed me there to let her know that her worship was meaningful and was making a difference.
We all have the ability to take a kind word and change it into a powerful tool simply by sharing it with others. With one kind word, you can inspire change and action that can affect so many. It is in times of trouble and doubt that the faith of a mustard seed can make all the difference. Take the step, even when it feels crazy. Take a deep breath, dive in, and spread kindness.
P.S. Thank you Scott and Mandy for all your support, kindness, and texts. 😊
