I know I’ve written about this before but after reading something Bob Goff wrote, it struck a nerve. Bob writes:
God speaks to us through His Word, through our friends, through our desires and dreams. Are you listening to them, or are you giving the microphone to voices that make you envy what your friend has or fear that the next move will end in total failure? Have you put your head next to a megaphone that screams you back into the person you were? (p.218)
I suspect we have all struggled with that from time to time.
But here’s another thought: what kind of voice am I to others? My mind pictures the old man who has the shell-shaped device (is that a gramaphone?) up to his ear in order to hear and another old man yelling into it.
Speak truth. Speak love. Speak beauty. Speak trust and acceptance. Speak hope. Speak life. Be the “voice of God” in their ears.
“Father, may I be the voice of love and hope to those who hear me. Help me to speak life into a person not be just another voice of disinterest and disenchantment.”
Quote from Live in Grace-Walk in Love by Bob Goff
Oh, yes, me too, LORD. Me too!
My thoughts exactly Diane.
What I am reading is that we should be an encourager! One that builds others up… one that motivates to move forward… one that challenges others to push through… one that celebrates when a breakthrough occurs.
I have to admit, my words are not always that of encouragement.
There are hopefully more times I catch myself about to say something and bite my tongue as I know how the words would be received.
It has taken a number of years to get to a point where I recognized the need to slow down when I am about to speak “words of wisdom” into the lives of others. Most of the time a sledgehammer is not correct tool to use when all you need is some paint brush and a little paint.
Thanks for the reminder this morning…
Help me be a voice of Love and Hope as well.
You heard well Ryan. I cringe sometimes when I think back to how I thought I knew what was best for everyone else (but had trouble listening to myself). I want to be a truth speaker, one of wisdom and encouragement.
I am reading this same devotional, Bill, and those words spoke to me as well. May I be a voice of love and encouragement to others – no negativity here!
Blessings!
That’s fantastic Martha! I knew we were kindred spirits. 🙂 Agreed. No negativity.