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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Sharp (03/07/13)
Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV) Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

This scripture speaks volumes to me. From the abuse I have been through, to the freedom I walk in today, God has redeemed it all.

What is this verse saying? It has to do with how powerful our words can be. The words we choose to use, not only affect our lives but others around us. They carry weight in ways we do not realize. When spoken or aimed at us, those words have an amazing ability to build us up or tear us down.

Our emotions are easily damaged by hurtful words that other people say to us. We need to pray and ask God to guard our hearts from these words. It would be good if everyone were nice all the time. In reality some don’t care. If someone speaks something with the intention to hurt the other person, that is abuse. For example someone says to you, “Shut up stupid!” How would that make you feel? Not only is it hurtful, but it is attempting to tear down your character.

The power of the tongue is a strong force. With it we can bless people, but also curse people.

I strongly advocate not using foul language. “Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) Do not use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good or helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” When we curse someone we are only cursing ourselves. You may be putting an actual curse on yourself and on others. A lot of people don’t take it seriously enough.



I was verbally abused by my mom. To think back on my teenage years when all of this took place is very tough for me. It was in the 1970's, and I had a bad case of acne. I don’t know what instigated the whole thing, but she called me a pimple faced freak. That is not the way someone should talk to their son / daughter. It really affected my self-esteem. There was no reason for her to be sharp and hateful with her words. Whether she said it in an angry tone or not, I cannot remember, but what I know in my soul, is that it felt as if she were stabbing me! The weight of my mom’s words was so strong that I suffered mentally for many years after that. I had three breakdowns in 28 years, and it’s for the grace of God that I am recovered this day.

I am not placing all the blame on her, but some of the words she used did not help my situation at all. We all know who is the real enemy is, and that is the devil. He attempted to take out my life, but failed in doing so. I am here to testify that God can restore those who were verbally abused at any point of their lives. There is hope and freedom for you.

God has indeed set me free from the abuse and its pattern. I have learned to treat others with kindness and respect that I believe pleases God.

I lead a very blessed life today. Even though this has been tough to go back and re-live so that I can write about it, it has been quite healing for me. I know that God is a God of grace and mercy. He can and will mend and fix all broken relationships in his time. What was meant to destroy us makes our testimony stronger in grace and truth.

Father, set us free from the words spoken against us, and help us control our tongue as well, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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This article has been read 835 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Judith Gayle Smith-Owens Vitouswykegardinerclark
03/17/13
Very well written. Gripping. My heart is hugging yours. You are not alone. You are an overcomer through Jesus. Your story will encourage others who have faced similar pain and devastation. Been there - done that.
Hebrews 10:26-31
C D Swanson 
03/18/13
Praise the Lord that you have been healed through His mercy and love. Thanks for sharing your testimony, and opening your heart to us.

Your mom's words pieced my heart, so I can only imagine what it did to your "tender young heart at the time."

In any case, Jesus loves you and His love brought about a new creation in self. Amen.

God bless~
Alicia Renkema
03/18/13
Thank you so much for your bravery in sharing a difficult time in your life with us. You wrote with passion, conviction and truth. The scriptures you chose truly enhanced this piece and were well placed for the reader to take stock of their own issues. It shows that true healing has taken place when one can offer up a prayer allowing God to minister to him / her so that he / she doesn't make the same mistakes towards others. I think this piece offers both hope and healing for others who have been affected similarly in their lives. I also loved the title you chose for this piece for that is what we all need to remember. Glory to God for His healing grace!
Virgil Youngblood 
03/19/13
I was in college when God got my attention. The first verse I memorized on my own initiative was Ephesians 4:29. Just this week I read, "You are the master of unspoken words. Once they are spoken they are your master." Thanks for sharing.
Ellen Carr 
03/20/13
Thanks for being brave enough to write this. Praise God for his healing in your life. May he continue to lead and bless you.
lynn gipson 
03/20/13
Words to me, are more powerful than hitting a person. Bruises heal, and we can't really recall the actually pain, but words stay in the mind like tape recorders that play over and over again.

I think our parents just talk to us the way they were talked to. However, my son also had acne, and I could never said those words to him, not in a million years.
I really enjoyed your well written, emotionally charged story. Very well done.

God Bless
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
03/21/13
This is an awesome devotion. You get right to the heart of the matter. I commend you for the courage to share this. The old adage words can never hurt me is so untrue. I'm glad you made it through those tough times. The fact that you are willing to share your pain and experiences show what kind of a man you did turn out to be--and that is as far away from "a pimply face freak" you are a man who Jesus smiles at when he looks at you. How wonderful is that!