Speech - Emily

I can honestly say this is an area where God has been drawing my
attention to lately... and it's not exactly fun for me. But good.
The Holy Spirit gently convicts after I've said something that
could have been left unsaid and then I'm kicking myself, wondering
if I'll ever get this stuff right. Specifically in the area of my
words about my husband. He is an amazing man, I am very grateful
for the many difficult sacrifices he makes for our family - but
would my speech portray that to others? I am often, regrettably,
quick to speak of his shortcomings or things that frustrate me if
the bandwagon is headed in that direction :-( I truly desire to
cultivate more uplifting/promoting/

encouraging speech about him
(and others in general).

I have a lot of underlines and stars and arrows and side notes in
this chapter, but I'll say that Mary hits the nail on the head in
her final paragraph. Yes, our culture is constantly coming at us with
words and moving us to use words etc. to the point where it's now
generally really awkward to sit in silence with someone, or to be
able to actually be a good listener without feeling like we have
2 cents to throw in all the time. God's picture and desire for us
is so totally opposite.

I was raised in a very talkative environment. My husbands family is
rather introverted. After spending a good amount of time with his
aunt working on various sewing projects together I have learned from
her how to practice and enjoy 'comfortable silence' - and the crazy
part is, I really enjoy that now. It's almost like the pressure valve
is released, I don't have to work up random things to talk about if
there isn't really anything to say AND the best part is that we're
less likely to be sinning when we just enjoy each others presence.
{Pr 10:19} I think some of this also has to do with my identity in
Christ, as I grow in knowing who I am in Him, the less I feel like
I have to impress or appease others just based on the cultural norm.

Unfortunately I do still find myself using my words to my advantage
and in pursuit of ulterior motives with my husband sometimes.
Certainly an area that could use some attention, being able to be
wholly and completely honest in my responses and intentions. God
sees my heart so I'm really only hurting myself (and my relationship
with Him) when I am deceitful - whether on purpose or out of bad habits.

Mary didn't necessarily cover this in the chapter but it's been on my
heart (I think I shared some last week) but I desire to see myself grow
in the area of conversation with others that matters. Sometimes I get
tired of talking about the same random casual things when I really just
want to know what's going on in someone's heart and life. I pray that
the Lord will walk me to a deeper more loving level of conversing with
and caring for others. What good is it if we as friends aren't willing
to share with and minister to each other?? (figuratively, not just us
3, but us included).

Lord I think you for your wisdom and your work in us. Thank you that
your Spirit is gentle and kind as you call us to more love with you
and more transformation of our lives. The only thing that matters is
You living out your love through us so I ask that we would continually
lay ourselves down and invite You in to mold and shape us. Keep a
watch over our words and bring prompt conviction when needed so that
we can confess, repent and not give up on the battle over our tongues.
Amen