Speaking What Strengthens

Well now, friend, come on up and ease yourself onto this ol’ front porch like you’re bein’ welcomed into a country fair where the breeze carries the smell of kettle corn, and the boards creak out a real friendly how‑do‑you‑do. Land sakes, I’m glad you made it over for a lil’ ol’ visit. If you were any more welcome that pudgy ol’ goat that struts around like it’s inspectin’ the property would trot right over and offer you the shiniest gourd it’s been guardin’ from every other critter in the pasture. So, you settle right in, friend, because we’re about to head straight into a truth sturdier than a hickory root holdin’ tight to the earth no matter how hard we might be tryin’ to pull it loose with the strength of our ol’ farm tractor.

Scripture says, “From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom” (Proverbs 10:31). The tongue is a mighty tool. It can bless, encourage, comfort, and guide. And Proverbs 10:21 says, “The lips of the righteous feed many.” But it can also sting like a mean ol’ hornet that got its feelings hurt. Words can lift a heart or flatten it. They can build a bridge or burn one down.

A tongue left unguarded can wander off like a mischievous ol’ raccoon rummagin’ through the pantry. But a tongue surrendered to God becomes a great blessing. It becomes a steady stream of wisdom, kindness, and truth. It sho’-nuff’ becomes a voice that reflects the heart of Christ.

Father, thank You for the gift of speech. Help me guard my words so they honor You. Let my tongue plant life, not harm. Shape my heart so that wisdom grows from it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Alright then, friend, may the Lord steady your day with the quiet confidence of a big ol’ bull moose standin’ knee‑deep in a cool creek like it knows the whole doggone valley is watchin’. Let His peace settle over you like the soft hush that drifts across a pumpkin patch when the sun starts slippin’ behind the trees. And may His joy git to risin’ up in you with the bright sparkle of a lil’ ol’ cricket chirpin’ its first tune of the evenin’. Wherever your day carries you, let His goodness guide your steps like a trusty ol’ farm dog trottin’ beside the wagon knowin’ exactly where home is found. Go on now, friend, and let your words be shinin’ with the kind of wisdom that blesses every soul you meet.

With joy,

Gwen