The Boss of My Words

By:  Donna Martin

During a weekend sleepover at our house four of our grandchildren began a debate about who was the boss during the absence of their parents.  Finally they came to the conclusion that Nana and Poppy had the final say and were the bosses when Mom and Dad were not around.  Much to their dismay none of them was the boss over the other ones.

As we were having lunch with their parents the next day, our son was going to share a funny story about what one of the kids had told him.  “I don’t want you to tell anyone that,” our granddaughter objected.

I suppose our discussion about who’s the boss was still on her mind.  When her dad tried to convince her that it would be all right to share the story because it wasn’t anything bad, she replied, “But I’m the boss of my words!”

“You know, you are right,” her dad agreed.  “You are the boss of your words.”

Little did she realize how profound her statement was.  This wise statement from a 10-year-old is something we should all remember.  We are all the boss of our words.  No one can make us say something that we should not say.  Our words are powerful.  They can build others up and tear others down.  They can offer comfort or cause conflict.  They even have the power to change the atmosphere of an entire day.

Our words are an indication of the condition of our heart. Luke 6:45 (ESV) states,  “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”

Sadly, much of our society today has become complacent about the words they use.  Vulgar talk, which was once never used around a lady, is now spoken by both men and women, and sometimes - even children.

Psalm 141:3 (ESV) tells us, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!"

We are all the “boss of our words.”  Be careful about what you say.  “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”  (Proverbs 16:24 ESV)

The Martins are available to present “Happy Together” Marriage Enrichment Events for churches and organizations.  To schedule an event call Michael at 940-735-1515. They are certified “Prepare/Enrich” Facilitators and are available to work with couples on an individual basis using the “Prepare/Enrich Assessment.”  They publish a weekly “Happy Together” Blog about family and marriage issues.  You can order copies of their new books Dancing With Death and 366 Tidbits We Have Learned in 14,610 Days of Marriage, read, and subscribe to their “Happy Together” Blog by logging onto the Martin’s website at www.happytogethermarriages.com