February 21st

February 21st

Read: Matthew 15:18; James 3:5-8; Proverbs 6:16-19

I heard a story long ago about a woman who told some gossip about another woman only to discover that it was a lie. She was full of remorse and went to her minister to see if she could in some way make amends. Her minister instructed her to get a feather pillow, take it to the town square, and empty it there. She was mystified, but obedient. When she had done the thing, she returned to her minister. He told her that she had completed only the first step of restitution. Now she was to return to the square and retrieve every feather! An impossible task! So it is with words … they cannot ever be retrieved once they are spoken.

WING-ED DESTRUCTION
Base mind brings carrion to the tongue 
And wing-ed death flies out,
Rending truth by rumour flung 
And confidence by doubt.
Forth they come, those subtle words, 
Their venom to employ,
Winging dark, o’ershadowing birds, 
Their victim to destroy.

To call them back once they’re unpent, 
To net each mighty wing,
To ward them off in their descent,
To assuage their bitter sting
Is hopeless task, for they can hide
And mingle in a crowd,
Can burrow deep in truth and bide
To emerge chaste as a cloud.

Prayer: Please, Dear God, set a seal upon my lips when they are inclined to gossip or hurt in any way. I want my words to please and glorify You.