Words of Affirmation

Do my words really matter?

I don’t have time to get everything done that I need to get done today, much less pay attention to the words I’m speaking. 

I read Ephesians 4:29 (NASB1995), “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”   

This time, I'm paying attention to the second half of it. It's not just that profane words should never come out of my mouth -- the rest of my words matter too. 

“...but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment…” Edification means to build up. What words have built me up in my life? 

I’m immediately transported back to junior high when I consider the question. It’s close to six pm, and I’m catching the late bus home. As I step onto the bus, I recognize the driver, Mr. Otto, but it’s been years since he’s seen me.

“Well, hey there. Mr. Otto. Do you recognize me? I’m Patti Brasher - Janice Brasher’s daughter.” 

He smiles as he says, “Why yes.” And then, slowly and deliberately, he speaks, “Young lady, if you grow up to be as sweet and as kind of a woman as your momma was, you’ll grow up to be somebody.” I smile and find a seat on the bus, not recognizing his words are about to be forever etched in my memory. 

My mom drove a school bus at a time when most women did not work outside of the home. Driving the bus provided her “pin” money. That is, money a woman could spend or give as she saw fit. 

She and Mr. Otto were good friends. I’m not sure if Otto was his first or last name as we always addressed every man with a “Mr.” to show respect. 

On occasion, Mr. Otto would come to dinner, and after dinner, the adults would sit at the table talking about God, their faith, and the disciplinary challenges they faced with the kids on the bus. 

Mom died when I was ten years old, so it had been three to four years since I last saw Mr. Otto. How does someone think to speak such kind words of blessing over someone they have not seen in years in a moment’s notice? 

I can only imagine that, like Stephen in the bible, Mr. Otto was led by the Holy Spirit. 

Oh, that I would recognize moments to speak words of encouragement - words fit to enlighten someone else in the moment. 

His words gave me something to aspire to - to be like her. Even though I couldn’t see her or experience her every day, I could know that she was kind to others.

Left with my dad and four older brothers, God knew exactly what words I needed to hear that day, and He spoke them to me through Mr. Otto. 

God calls us to consider the people in our lives that we have influence over - our family, friends, and community. How often do we give attentive care to studying -- preparing for a conversation-- to stir others to love, helpful deeds, and noble activities?

Every interaction is an opportunity to shape and mold, teach, and encourage. 

Oh, Lord Jesus, help us not to miss the moments right in front of us for want of hurrying to get a task done. 

Help us to remember that You want to use our words every bit as much as our actions. 

Thank you for words never forgotten - help us to speak Your Words - words You don't want forgotten.

In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.