THE BEAUTY OF WORDS
By Dolores Robinson

I arrived at work early one morning and a co-worker joined me about five minutes later.  We went through the normal good morning routine and at that point, I asked how she was, not realizing I would get the response that I did.  She looked at me and softly and said my heart is so heavy.

Immediately I was concerned and asked her what was going on. She began to talk to me about her little boy and her fear that kids might tease him once he begins school or even worse, would just ignore him and leave him all alone. As we talked, she eventually shared with me that she had gone through a horrible time when she started to attend a new school. She literally was ostracized and ate lunch alone and she hated everything about that period of her life. I looked her in the eye and gently began to talk to her about her role as a mother, speaking words of encouragement and letting her know that I was here for her. We really don't have to do much other than be available and let people know that we genuinely care. Before I knew it, she was walking towards me with tears in her eyes and as I held her, I told her everything was going to be all right.

As the Word says, the power of life and death are in the tongue.  How powerful is that?  As you start to look around you, you will notice how people need a kind word, a smile and to know the truth, His truth.  Women talk a lot, but now more than ever before, we also need to listen to those around us whether at work, home, in church, or just as we’re out and about.  I’ve noticed in the stores how many times the clerk will say, “Hi, how are you?”  I also notice how many people don’t take the time to respond or if they do, it’s one of those quick fine, thanks.  I’ve made an effort to answer the person clearly and then return the question while waiting for their response.  You know what?  Every time I do this, it’s like I catch them off guard and they thank me for asking.  Again, a few words of kindness and a smile can do so much for so many.

We all know that old childhood adage, “sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me.”  We also know that that is one of the biggest hypocrisies known to man.  Many people suffer today because of words that were used as weapons in their lives. 

There is a phrase that is used often today and it says a lot, it’s “pay it forward.”  Well, I would like to pay this forward and say ladies, as you go about your day, take the time to sow some words of peace, joy, love, hope, healing and encouragement into the lives of people that cross your path.  You will be greatly blessed. 

This came to me late one evening -- Words from the heart are like a beautiful bouquet filled with love, peace, joy, and hope wrapped with a lovely ribbon of encouragement.