Day 24: The Power of Your Words

“Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” (Proverbs 16:24, NLT)

​I’d missed the paperwork deadline. It wasn’t just a sign-up-for-this-month’s-snack kind of paperwork, it involved state requirements and my daughter’s special needs. The error was a major one on my part, and I was frustrated with myself. Then the internal narrative began.

“How could you!”

“You messed up … again.”

“What is wrong with you?”

How about you, sweet friend? Do you ever catch yourself saying things to yourself you would never say to another? 

Are you your own worst critic and sometimes downright mean to yourself?

How we speak to ourselves matters. When God teaches us that our words are to be sweet to the soul, He didn’t just mean towards others. He meant the words we direct toward ourselves, as well. Our health depends upon it. 

Our ability to live as our best selves, and therefore the best mamas we can be, depends upon that health.

Start practicing graciousness toward yourself. Take each thought captive, and turn your thoughts toward truth. 

Speak life. When you inevitably fall a bit short, begin a new narrative.

“It’s okay. It isn’t anything that cannot be repaired.”

“I remember a lot of things and take care of a great deal really well, but I’m human and forgot this particular thing.”

“When I am weak, God’s strength is revealed. I trust Him in this.”

Once upon a time, I didn’t catch narratives in action. Instead, I let those thoughts continue unedited, limping along with a broken soul. Today, the work isn’t over, yet you would be hard pressed to notice the limp.

Sweet friend, with Jesus, you don’t have to limp along with a broken soul, either. One faithful step at a time will bring you to health. To your best self. And to being the best mama you can be. 

​-Lori