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“Amy I remember that thing you said.”
Those words send a chill through me because I do a fair bit of public speaking.
Even though I prepare diligently and take any opportunity I’m given to speak into people’s lives seriously, part of my, shall we say, charm is that no one is ever quite sure what’s going to come out of my mouth. Me included.
“I think of you every day at 7:20 a.m.” Why?! That thing you said involved appropriate under garments to be worn to a morning prayer meeting. Oh my. (I do stand by what I said, but really, is nothing off limits for me?!)
Jesus tells of ten who were healed but only one returned to say express gratitude. I was mightily blessed recently when an email arrived recalling that thing you said. One hand wrote it, but it had two authors.
She, grateful for grace. He, a proud Heavenly Father reminding me that my words count and with them can come blessings or curses. He wanted to replay one and show me the ripple effects of blessing.
I was just sorting through my desk, a job well that most of the time isn’t fun. While I was sorting through papers I found a printed off copy of an e-mail from you, written three-and-a-half years ago.
It was when I had gotten in a mix up with Ms.F. I had sent her an e-mail and it was a mess. I was scared it was somehow going to get back to you.
I e-mailed you and you poured grace on me and told me to go get ice cream. 🙂 I printed it off to remember that I didn’t have to be scared.
You were already reminding me to look at what was different in my life and be thankful in it even if I wasn’t there yet. This was a memory that made me thankful and made me want to e-mail you…and tell you…
GO GET SOME ICE CREAM. 🙂
‘Go get some ice cream.’ Words of blessing, not cursing. Words of release and life and hope. Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Like the one who turned back and gave thanks, who is someone you can call or email and share how their words blessed you?
The Messy Middle 
Thank you, Amy. I have a few emails to send out today!
You are a huge encouragement to so many!
I love that email and FB make such ‘tasks’ so easy. Your response exemplifies what I learned at the sem about pastoral care: to the repentant you offer grace, not law. To the hard-hearted, you hammer them with the law (or tickle?) until they are repentant. And then you offer grace. Blessings!
Love what you learned at sem — that’s a helpful distinction to have in mind!
The things we say,do and wear make last impressions on those we know and care for. Two situations come to mind :
1) When I lived in Hanoi my students were often commenting on my laundry. Because my clothesline was in the front of the guesthouse, anyone could see what I had washed on any given day. A student of mine commented once by saying, “when I see your laundry I feel happy because I know you are home and I can come over to visit you.”
2) Yesterday, my 20 year old stepson (Mauricio) and I were chatting about honesty and integrity. During our conversation, he mentioned that he had intentionally disobeyed something his dad and I had asked him not to do because he wanted to be stubborn. His transparency blew me away! I found myself extending grace and saying “While, it isn’t cool that you allowed for stubbornness to motivate your decision, I appreciate your honesty.”
Cynth, you are one who weighs carefully her words and who has blessed many with them. I’m definitely on that list!
Amy, you’re right, our words go a long way. Thank you for sharing and inspiring us to encourage others.
And thanks for blessing me back!
Your friends kept your kind words and used them later. Words hastily spokne that hurt are not easily forgotten. We can only appologize, and walk in love.
Good point Hazel! Sadly I’ve had too many hastily spoken!
I’m such a yammery person, and knee-jerker… so my mouth really tosses things out that I think need to be handled. I was taught/forced to do that from the age of 6 forward, so, after 60 more years, I can’t say it doesn’t still pop out that way. However, most of the time people treat me kindly and I apologize as the Lord lays it on my heart.
One thing I wish they and I would say when things become a bit intense and intolerant is: Go get some ice cream!” Nothing could be much nicer than that… certainly hits my favorite part of food-life!
HAHA, Amy, i do remember you talking about what isnt appropriate to wear to a prayer meeting (pajamas). But more importantly, i will always remember your grace. thanks for being a blessing in my life!
And you in mine, friend! You in mine.