Amazing things about the spoken word: once said, it cannot be erased; the same sentence spoken gently, harshly, or even jokingly can have tremendous effect according to its delivery; and most amazingly, the most sincere apology after hurting someone with words - can often times act like a band-aid for a bruise... useless.

Has someone ever hurt you with a thoughtless word? Have you ever said something and wished you could simply take it back? What about the words you didn’t say? In my quiet moments I find myself recalling that apology I simply couldn't muster up, or the compliment that died on my lips... regretting that the moment had passed, and the opportunity was lost forever.

The truth is, our words have tremendous power.

Cliche phrases like "knock on wood" and "speak it into being!" all belie that the power of the spoken word is common knowledge.

Five years after the passing of my father, his last words to me have a different meaning than they did when I had just lost him:

"You are all I have Nik, I love you."

Five years ago, those words were a reprimand. They were proof that I was a bad daughter, and I should have been there with him as he died. Today, they are my proof of his unconditional love.

As Christians, we must be responsible about the things we say, because our words can build up just as effectively as they can rip apart. The tongue has the power of life and death... (Proverbs 18:21)

So today, let's pray for strength of spirit, and gentle words that edify, and brighten with God’s light:

Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. (Psalm 141:3)