Just Continue That Thought...

A thought by Nelson Searcy from his book, Tongue Pierced: How the Words You Speak Transform the Life You Live (p. 46). David C. Cook. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) There are instructive words but there are also destructive ones. Nelson says, “While it can creep into our conversations under a lot of guises, there are two main manifestations: “1. Spreading lies about another person. Most of the time when people talk about someone behind his or her back, they don’t even know if what they are saying is true—and it’s usually not. They are likely just repeating what they have heard someone else say. By jumping on the bandwagon of gossip, they add to the proliferation of misinformation and hurtful lies. “2. Discussing someone’s problems with anyone other than that person. Many people become convinced that they are actually doing good by talking among themselves about the negative circumstances in a third party’s life. Th...

A thought by Nelson Searcy from his book, Tongue Pierced: How the Words You Speak Transform the Life You Live (p. 44). David C. Cook. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) Oh, but for many that can be sooo difficult. Nelson says, “Do you know anyone who talks too much? Of course, you do. I bet a name or two popped to mind immediately. Here’s something to consider: Would your name pop to someone else’s mind in answer to that question? Could you be accused of running off at the mouth a little too often? Sometimes your best use of language happens when you say nothing at all. There’s immense wisdom in keeping quiet at the right times. After all, God gave us one mouth and two ears for a reason. We’re probably safe to assume that he wants us to listen twice as much as we speak. “Learning to hold your tongue requires a degree of humility; it takes a realization that your opinion may not be the best or most important one in the room. O...

A thought by Nelson Searcy from his book, Tongue Pierced: How the Words You Speak Transform the Life You Live (p. 43). David C. Cook. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) Yes, we do! Nelson says, “Every person you walk by on the street or pass at the bank or stand beside in the grocery store line may as well be wearing an invisible sign that reads, ‘Encourage me.’ All people need encouragement, even if they don’t want to admit it. In fact, it’s usually the ones who won’t admit it—the ones who walk around with the biggest scowls on their faces—who need encouragement the most. And you have the ability to give them exactly what they need. As you begin speaking from a God-focused heart, encouraging words will come naturally. You will begin seeing other people as God sees them, which will make you want to encourage them to grow in that direction.” He continues, “One of my favorite quotations comes from Goethe and speaks to this trut...