California is ablaze. Thousands of homeowners are evacuating as flames fueled by hot Santa Anna winds whip through their neighborhoods. One newsman called it “Armageddon” as million dollar houses are reduced to ashen rubble. For many residents the call to vacate was sudden and few left with anything other than cherished pets and the clothes on their back.In retrospect, heeding that solitary warning saved their lives.
A timely word has that power, as the Proverb writer explains. The right word at the right time can change the world. Here are just a few that come to mind:
• “Let’s roll!” (Todd Beamer, September 11, 2001)
• “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country” (John F. Kennedy)
• “I believe in God” (Cassey Bernall, Columbine)
• “Mr. Gorbachev, bring down those walls!” (Ronald Reagan)
• “Can’t we all just get along?” (Rodney King, L.A. riots)
In an age of verbal vomit and speech sewage, appropriate words matter. An “apt reply” invites joy, while an angry retort flames judgment. A timely word grows goodness while a selfish reply ignites gossip.
Like an ember on a California wind, our words can fire triumph or tragedy. Words have power. Appropriate replies and timely words are omnipotent. Whether as warning or watching, rebuke or reprimand, encouragement or edification, words matter. Words motivate. Words move mountains.
‘Nuf said.
NOTABLE QUOTABLES ON WORDS:
"Words are the voice of the heart." --Confucius
"Men of few words are the best men." --William Shakespeare
"Words are healers of the sick tempered." --Aeschylus
"Words are alive; cut them and they bleed." --Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Good words are worth much and cost little." --George Herbert
Jesus, You are the Living Word. Help us to speak Life this day and words that are timely and treasured. Spirit, we seek Your Wisdom in counting the cost of our conversations. May our words be few and flavored with joy, peace, love and grace. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment