Day 1: Power of Your Words

​“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, put a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4, NIV)

As the moms of our homes we are the rock our children depend on. We are designed to be that safe place our children can run to, the glue that pulls everything together for them.

Seeing ourselves as the center of home and the go-to place for the hearts in our homes, gives today’s verse a very interesting picture.

Imagine yourself standing in the center of your home, your arms outstretched as limbs on a tree. All around you and beneath your arms, circle your children.

Your shade gives them comfort. Your protection keeps them safe. You are the center of their world as they play, grow, and work in all they do.

You are the first “tree of life” they know.

Sweet Mama, what do your children hear coming from the tree they circle day after day?

Do they hear a soothing tongue? One that builds them up, showers them with wisdom and insight, and invites them to share their hearts with you?

Or do they hear a perverse tongue? One that crushes their hearts due to impatience and frustration?

Are the words coming from your lips fertilizing your children to become strong, well-rooted trees themselves? 

Or are your words stealing the life from them, shriveling one leaf at a time, leaving them bare to the world’s elements and heartbreaks?

Take a few minutes to reflect on how it might be to receive the words that come from your mouth. Ask yourself, “What is it like to hear what I say to my children? Would I want to be talked to like that?”

“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18, NIV)

Your words are seeds in the recipient’s heart. What are you planting?