STUNG

The four kids, plus me, walked down to the little bridge along the gravel ATV trail. They had begged to go down there to throw rocks into the creek and I had entertained them because a little walk sounded nice. The girls chased each other down the path while the boy stopped every few seconds for some new treasure: a rock shaped like an eyeball, a dead cricket, and a stick to wave around.

Suddenly, my eldest daughter came screaming down the bridge, waving her arms around her head and running as fast as if she were in an Olympic track meet. What could have caused such a reaction? Hornets. As she ran past me, I asked her stop so I could see the damage, but she wouldn’t slow down to explain that she was getting stung.


At first, I thought she had been stung once, then she pointed out three spots and only after closer inspection at home did I realize she had been stung five times. No wonder she was running like the wind to escape that pain.

I’ve seen people running away from church with that same speed; they would do anything to get away. They’ve been stung by someone’s careless words. Perhaps we didn’t mean to say something that would cause pain, but many of our words can sting and cause pain, swelling and severe discomfort to those listening.

When we make a cutting remark about how rude it is to smoke in the church parking lot, not realizing that the woman behind us is struggling to break the habit – it stings. Or when we criticize the painting in the gym, trying to be “constructive,” but crushing the person who worked so hard on that job – it stings. It really stings when we assume that someone is living in sin because of the circumstances they are facing. And often, people will be stung not just once, or even just twice, but multiple times before they walk (or run) away with tears running down their face.

Matthew 12:36
But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.

This is one of those verses that is hard to swallow. Every.single.word??? Wow, that’s kind of scary, if I really think about it. I say things all the time without thinking much about it, but when I read this Scripture, I realize I must not be so careless with my words.


Words flying about randomly can sting. And that’s not what I want to happen with my words. I guess I need to be more careful about my words so that they don’t cause damage along the way.

The Lipstick Drawer

"But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips."
Colossians 3:8

How many lipsticks can one woman have???

It's one of my little "things." I admit it...I LOVE lipstick. Every coffee cup that I sip from bears the lipstick marks! I simply can't resist them in the drug store! (YES, I only buy them at the drugstore...never department store lipstick for this gal...if you want quantity, something has to give!)

Just the other day I was sorting through the lipstick drawer, making room for the new "Fall" shades and while they make me feel good...they should be a reminder of so much more...A walk through Proverbs reveals so much wisdom on "lips" and the power they contain.

"Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right."
Proverbs 8:6

"My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness."
Proverbs 8:7

"The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful."
Proverbs 12:22

The pages of Proverbs hold reminder after reminder that each time I look in the mirror to behold the power of my lips and what rolls off of them, reminding me over and over again of the importance of my words.

It needs to be a daily reminder to me that I only allow edifying words of praise and thanksgiving spill forth. The words that I speak and the tone that I use should be a reflection of Christ at all times, while ridding myself of "anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language." Filthy language in the form of gossip and unkindness....ouch. (It's a tall order, but I can try!)

I don't know about any of you out there reading, but I need to do a "lip check" several times a day!

So, that "Comforting Cocoa" and "Virtual Violet" can serve a higher purpose! IF I take the opportunity to pray that my words be full of grace, mercy, kindness and love each time I apply those luscious shades, then I have seized a daily detail and turned it into a powerful prayer tool. How COOL is THAT?? I like to think of it as my own personal version of "What NOT to Wear!" The POWER that those lips hold!

"The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools."
Proverbs 15:7

" An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips."
Proverbs 24:26

Each day as I choose a shade, or re-apply throughout the day, I need to see it as an opportunity to ask God to guide and order my words. The power that reminder can carry is tremendous! If the words that roll off of my lips exhort, encourage and edify then I am walking in the ways of Christ. My words have the power to wisely proclaim The Good News!

It was right there in front of me...an opportunity to see God in the daily details of my life. I am striving to see God and reminders of HIS message in the details of my life...today, I just happen to be applying my detail, literally...
mouth offers praises with joyful lips. Psalm 63:1-5
hmmm...which shade today? Whatever shade you choose, I pray it reminds you of the power those lips posses...oh, and don't forget your heart too!

While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.
St. Francis of Assisi

Questions for Reflection:

Have you ever seen God in the daily details of your life?

Do you use your words to exhort, edify and encourage everyone you meet?

Challenge yourself that the next time you pass a mirror to "check your lipstick" remind yourself in a silent prayer to guide your words and tone.

Prayer:
Father,
Thank you for the daily details in which you reveal yourself to me. Help me to seek today to use my "lips" as a vessel to encourage and uplift those I meet. May my words be joyful and full of purpose. Help guard my lips from any "wicked or unworthy" talk. Father, remind me frequently of the power that my lips hold. I want to be a reflection of your Son, Jesus whose words always spoke of kindness, forgiveness and love.








join Lori daily at her personal blogspot, where she can be found choosing the perfect shade....