Nine Little Words.

I have had some annoying interesting exchanges with friends, family and strangers recently.  The topic is homeschooling.  I have been trying to hide  not gone full speed ahead to announce our plans to homeschool to everyone, however, I did want to let some closer friends and family know, primarily so that they could be praying for us as we embark on this adventure.   In part, I think it  is because I am still getting used to this idea.  This is most definitely not something I ever thought I would be doing.  But alas, most of the really great things in my life are that way.  That's the cool part about following God.  His plans are so much BETTER than mine.  But that's a whole other post.


Contrary to popular opinion, I'm no fool.  I have experienced first hand the power of believers united in prayer, and the power that is unleashed when we agree and pray.  I have also learned to recognize when prayer is absolutely essential, which is basically 24/7 but also when embarking on a new adventure following God's lead into the unknown and doing something so "out there". 


Obviously, everyone has an opinion on this topic.  People have lots of questions.  There are a lot of myths and misconceptions and just basic ignorance out there.  Read this post to dispell some of those stereotypes by a veteran homeschool mom.   Seriously it is a must read.  Go on.  I'll wait. 


Welcome back.  That post made me laugh and cry and shake my head, I guess because I could relate to so much of it.  

However, this post is not about that.  Quite the contrary.  One recent exchange stands out for being so much the opposite of the nosy questions, misconceptions, criticism and judgment that I have experienced.  It was a simple sentence. 


Really, it was one sentence. 


And yet, it made a big impact. 


A friend said "I think you guys are doing the right thing."


Nine little words.


Nine little words of much needed encouragement replayed in my head in times of pulling my hair out stress. 


Nine little words of encouragement brought to mind when I feel like running away and living in a cave overwhelmed.


So I guess I just wanted to share this with you and encourage you to think about your words.  Are you building people up or tearing them down?  When is the last time you paid someone (anyone) a sincere compliment?  What about the courtesy of manners and politeness?  What about expressing support for something that you see going well in a friend's life?  Or encouragement when things aren't going so well?  What's the tone of your own words, in your own home, with your own family?  I know I am falling short here.


We have no idea when what we say may strike a chord and make a big impact.  For good or bad.


I'm just saying to think about it.


God's Word says:


So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.  1 Thessalonians 5:11


The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words. Proverbs 15:28

Lord, 

help me to work on this issue of thinking before I speak.  

Help my words to be words of encouragement 

and blessing; of love and life.  

Forgive me for the times I speak criticism 

and judgment and hurtful words 

out of ignorance or anger.  

Help me to keep my eyes on you 

so that I may hear what you want me to hear, 

see what you want me to see and 

do what you want me to do, whether it be big or small.  

In the precious name of your Son, Jesus, 

Amen.