Saturday, October 12, 2013

When My Words Hurt Others

You may have noticed that I have been quiet lately.   I realized that I have become shy about sharing my words because in the last few months, they have had a stinging/hurting effect on some people I love.  

While having lunch with a young mom friend, I shared a bit of family drama in which I recently participated.  I mentioned to her that I had written a letter to the other party(ies.)  Her  immediate response was, "Oh no, not one of your letters!"  I asked what she meant.  She reminded me that she had been a recipient of one of my letters, via email, when we both had been going through trying times.  I had  blurted out to her how I felt at that moment in time about our relationship and, specifically, my diminished role in her life and the lives of her children.   May I just say that sometimes I cut off my nose to spite my face?  WHAT WAS I THINKING?  

I wasn't thinking, I was feeling!  And most of the time, I need to just keep my feelings to myself because, quite often, they are different by the next day, week, or month!   And if only I had kept them to myself, I wouldn't have hurt some other person!

I have spent the last weeks surveying the aftermath of my days of sharing my words (feelings.)  I began to see the folly of my actions and became afraid to share my words.  But through counsel from a dear friend and adviser, I have once again become motivated to share my words here in this place.  I will work hard to learn from the folly of my past and use caution while still attempting to speak the truth in love.  I will also work at discerning between the TRUTH and my feelings on the matters of my mind.

In the meantime, you might hear me singing to myself that old Vacation Bible School song, Oh Be Careful Little (Big) Mouth What You Say!


Pressing on in Him,

Lisa

1 comment:

  1. Feelings- stem from our heart- the heart is wicked and deceitful, who can know it?
    I hope you are doing alright now. Sometimes it's quite difficult to rein in our tongues because they stem from our heart.
    And not to belittle the emotions felt by those who are on the receiving end when we do not rein in our tongues, but all things need to be taken through a filter. Filter it through God.
    Pray to him before we speak, and pray to him when we hear.
    I've been the given and the receiver and it's tough sometimes.
    I hope you *do* continue to write out the matters on your mind- if you just hold them in, the can fester. :)

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