Spoken Words

There are some words or phrases that if said from the speakers point of view is not bad, for the speaker's self esteem.  However if you are the receiver of such words it can be devastating to your well being and self esteem.  Think about them.  Have you ever said anything that was hurtful?  Have you ever thought about something you said only to realize it is too late to take it back?  It is said that the tongue is sharper than a two-edge sword, and that is very true.

I'm right.  You're wrong.
Smile.  Don't you know how to do anything but frown?
You are rude, crude and abrupt.  Try to be nice.
Why are you so bitter?
Grow up!
You are so negative!  You need an attitude adjustment.
Can't you do anything right?
That was a stupid mistake!
Did you think before you opened your mouth and inserted your foot?
Why can't you be more like your (sister, brother, or whoever)
What is wrong with you?  Are you just stupid?
Stop crying only a baby cries!

We all say things out of anger or in the heat of the moment or in the middle of what might be a crisis to one person.  Sometimes, we don't realize we have just hurt someone by what we said.  It may have all been an innocent remark.(Well maybe not).  Can you be the type of person that goes back and says, "I'm sorry.  I was angry and I didn't mean what I said, or that wasn't exactly what I meant?  I know some people don't like the word, "I'm sorry."  If that is you, then ask to be forgiven, use words that are not objectionable to you.  Although you are suppose to be sincere and mean it from your heart.  "I apologize" always sounded so cold to me, but you can say, "Please forgive" or "Can you forgive me". 

How do you apologize to God when you have done something wrong?  We are to treat each other like we want to be treated.  We are to love each other as Christ loves us.  Are you living that way? 

I hope this posts makes sense.  It has been weighing heavily on my mind since last week.  Mostly because I overheard someone say, "I'm right.  You're wrong."  That always bothers me.  It has taken me a long time to learn to admit when I'm wrong, but no one is right 100% of the time, and there has only been one perfect person to ever walk this earth.  He sits at the right hand of God.  Do you know Him?  Don't wait until it is too late, the alternative is not going to be pleasant.

A Picture is Worth

We have all heard the saying many times that a picture is worth a thousand words, but what about the tone in someone's words.  The tongue it is said is as sharp as a two-edged sword, and I've been told on more than one occassion that I was mean, abrupt and bitter, and it doesn't matter if a person is smiling when they say those things, it still hurts.

Sarcasm is a great defensive mechanism and I used to use it all the time.  The other day some one said, "Who only own the words you speak.  You cannot control the way someone interprets them or takes them."  This is only too true.  In the long run, though, does it really matter.  If you say something totally unintentionally and someone is offended, is it your responsibility to apologize to them?  What if you don't know that you have offend them or hurt their feelings?  All you know is that now they are cold and distant. 

I posted a new profile picture of myself on Facebook.  It is very difficult to smile and take your own picture.  Someone said, "Great pic."  "Next time smile."  Funny thing is, I was smiling.  It wasn't a broad grin it was just a slight uplift at the corners of my mouth.  In the picture I look like I'm 100 years old or so it seems.  Situations in life do take their toll on you and I've been through some difficult things in the last two or three years, and stress has definitely help to age me.  I don't feel as old as I look in the photo, and the saying goes you are only as old as you feel right?

Here's a word of wisdom by the way, just because someone isn't smiling all the time, doesn't mean that they are angry or upset or unhappy.  They might just be in deep thought or facing a difficult decision.  So don't look at them and say smile.  Just smile at them and acknowledge them.  Chances are that they will smile back.
May you be filled with the loving spirit of God!  He is awesome.... Thank you Lord Jesus for everything you do in my life. 

Okay, here's the picture I posted on Facebook...  Actually I share the one I didn't post and the one I posted.

Not posted....  

One on the right, posted...