Saturday, April 30, 2011

WRITING WITH STICKS AND STONES --


PART TWO



by Molly Noble Bull 


We have all heard the saying. Sticks and stones may break my bones. But words will never hurt me.
But is this a true statement? Do words hurt? 
Yes. Words spoken in anger, with sarcasm or in a mocking tone hurt.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Proverbs 18: 21
Sometimes our words harm others when that is the last thing we want to do. 
But did you know that words also heal? 
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
Proverbs 15: 13
When I sit down to write an email to someone, I begin by writing out all the important things I want to say in my message. Or I reply to what someone else has said by putting in my two cents. Sometimes I present a need and ask for prayer. At other times I simply report what I consider to be important facts that I read about or heard in the news.  
Let us say that today I want to report something that I heard in the news. My message might sound like this. 
 
Dear Sally,
You might want to tune in to the Fox News Channel tonight at seven central time. They are going to interview a doctor who once preformed abortions but is now pro-life.
Love,
Molly

Often, at this point, the Lord steps in and reminds me to say something personal to Sally, the one who will be receiving my message. In other words, it’s time to send my words of healing—encourage her or cheer her up. It’s time to go back and write something between “Dear Sally” and “Be sure to tune in--” that is encouraging or helpful.
Sally might not be able to watch the Fox News Channel that night. She might have a previous engagement or not be especially interested in the topic. But everybody needs encouragement. 
Here is a sample of what I might add to my message to Sally. 

Dear Sally,
Good morning.     
I was so glad to hear that your daughter placed in that swimming match she entered last week. Tell her to keep up the good work. And please know that I will be praying for you when you go in to have your Mammogram on Friday.  
You might want to tune in to the Fox News Channel tonight at seven central time. They are going to interview a doctor who once preformed abortions but is now pro-life.
Love,
Molly  

When you tell someone you will be praying for them, pray. To do otherwise means you told a lie. I often pray for a person a head of time. Instead of saying, “I will be praying for you,” I say, “I just prayed for you.”  
Remember, words hurt even when you don’t use sticks and stones to write them.

7 comments:

Rita Garcia said...

So much wisdom in your words!
When I say I'll pray for someone, I try to take a few moments right then and pray. I like your idea of praying first!

Cecelia Dowdy said...

Yes, that's a good idea of praying first. I believe some say, "You'll be in my/our thoughts and prayers," during times of sorrow, etc. but, wonder, if they really pray, or are they just saying that to be nice, or, they may mean to do so later, but forget. If they do it beforehand, then, at least they've done what they said they will do.

Molly Noble Bull said...

Thanks Rita and Cecelia.
I once would have said, "I'll be praying for you." It was really like saying, "have a good day."
It meant nothing.
Then one day I began to think differently, and I believe it was the Lord who taught me not to say that I would pray unless I actually did it.
So now I pray, and then I say, "I just prayed for you."
Love,
Molly

ladysantora said...

I'm so glad I found your blog. I love reading what you write.

F.A.Ellis said...

This so beautiful,and inspiring!
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Molly Noble Bull said...

Thank you for stopping by, F.a. and Ladysantor, and for your kinds words. God is good.
Love,
Molly

Robin Archibald said...

Lately I've been writing "This comes with a prayer that . . ." and I state the friend's need/concern. I do stop just after I write it, or just after I click send, and pray. And since I'm obsessive, I usually remember to pray for that need several times during the day. (Hmm, I never realized my obsessive trait might have a positive aspect.)