Hurricane Helene’s remnants paid us a visit where I live and spent time just hanging out and raining and raining and raining.
After a fairly dry summer where we had little rain, it was good to have some rain once again. I also appreciated the overcast skies, which were a lot more gentle on my healing-from-concussion head and eyes than glaring sunlight.
We spent some time driving around looking at the rising water left behind by the storm. It was quite a sight to behold in many places.
I was reminded that people often underestimate the power of water. Fire is an obviously destructive force when it is unleashed into the world, but we don’t always remember that water can be an equally destructive force. I am thankful that our area only had minor flooding when compared to areas south of us: swollen rivers, some toppled trees and covered roadways.
Water gives life to the earth, but it can also cause destruction. Our bodies are roughly 60% water and yet that won’t save us if we drown. Lack of water can kill a plant, but so can over-watering.
You know what else can both give life as well as destroy? Our words.
Proverbs 18:20-21 says, “From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (NIV)
Our words can be sweet as honey, soothing to the soul (Proverbs 16:24) and good for encouragement and building each other up (Ephesians 4:29). They can also be an incredibly destructive force that tears down those who hear them.
We have a choice, every moment, how we will wield our words.
Will we encourage and build and speak life into those who we encounter?
Or will we tear down, embitter, anger, and damage those around us?
It’s up to you. Choose well.
Blessings,
~Lynne
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