Jul. 30, 2009 - If Anyone Can Tame His Tongue...
Last night in youth group, we talked about James 3 - Taming the Tongue. My youth pastor said something that really stuck with me.
"You can start a war with one word."
It's so true. I can remember things that have been said to me from when I was really little that stuck with me all through my life. There have been stories of people who were verbally abused so much they killed themselves! And even the ones who are the leaders, the ones who are suppose to protect people, say things that can scar their reputation forever.
It's crazy how powerful we don't realize we are.
When I was in 5th grade, my lovely cousin decided to inform me that I was a dork. Wasn't that sweet of her? Now I'll admit that as far as stereotypes go, I kinda was a dork. But that's not the point. I went through a few years of my life thinking that I actually was a dork, and no one really wanted to be my friend. Whenever that word was aimed at me, even if it was just in a joke, I would feel myself heat up all over again! Thankfully, I had a loving family that encouraged me and a loving God who brought me through that phase of my life. Now I'll willingly admit to being a dork...that is, a Daughter Of the Risen King. 
Isn't it amazing how God can take something that is meant to hurt you and turn it into something wonderful?
There's another interesting thing about our words. We can stop wars with them, too. When we tell someone they look nice, or that we enjoy being around them, or even just saying hello and asking how someone's day was can make a bigger difference than we realize! Encouraging people, making the conversation about them instead of about us, and pushing people towards their dreams are ways that we love others as we love ourselves.
I've been thinking a lot about what I believe in. See, people say they believe in things all the time that they don't show that they believe in. For instance, if someone believes lying is wrong but lies continually, then they must not believe too strongly that it's wrong. If I believe that my words have power, I'm going to be very careful about what I say. If I don't want to cuss, I'm not going to watch movies or listen to music that have cussing in them. If I don't want to speak negatively about someone, I'm not even going to think about them negatively, for out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. If I can surrender my thoughts and words to Jesus, then I can do anything. James says that if a man can tame his tongue, he can keep his whole body in check! In other words...it's hard! But if we can surrender it, we'll be amazed at what God can do in our lives. :)
Last night, I surrendered a few different words and thoughts to Jesus. I decided not to say some things I wanted to and not to think some things I wanted to. I told Him I'd be okay with whatever happened. And as I was driving home last night...I felt more peaceful and content than I have in a long time. :)
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart (feelings), with all your mind (thoughts), and with all your strength (actions)."
- Danya <><
Comments
Aug. 29, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by salazar
I love your blog so much!!!!1 :D I have it bookmarked lol. :P
Sep. 13, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Antelope
DANYA!
Remember me?!
I really miss hearing from you, girl...it's been what, a year?
You signed me a copy of your CD...
"May the lions never eat you."
Hope to hear from you soon!
~Jess, aka Antelope
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