“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt you." I can hear my mother telling me long ago. As a child I believed what my mother told me and I didn’t let those words hurt. As I got older the words seemed to hurt and I couldn’t seem to not let them. I would catch myself avoiding people because I knew they wouldn’t have anything good to say. I remember in 1968 my sergeant told me that I would never amount to anything. Man did that hurt! He was training me to face an enemy where I may possibly face death and he was telling me I would never amount to anything. Can't you just see me saying “come on men follow me I not going to amount to anything anyways so who cares if we get blown to peaces.” I made up my mind that day as I heard those words that I was going to show that man something! Tobe honest with you it wasn’t that easy, until God used my Pastor to say to me one day “you are a good preacher but you just don’t have any confidence in yourself.” Confidence in God, yes but in yourself no. Those words have helped me more than he’ll ever know. So yes words do hurt and they do cut deep. Be careful what you say and how you say it. I am reminded of a man named Jairus. You will find his remarkable story in Mark 5. Jairus'
little daughter was at the point of death so he runs to find Jesus and tell Him he must come and lay His hands on her so she may be healed. As Jesus goes with him something happens, a crowd of people followed. Then here comes a woman with her own set of problems and just touches the hem of Jesus garment and is healed. Jesus knew someone had touched Him and wanted to know who. The woman confesses and Jesus takes time with her. While this is happening Jairus heart sinks for they come from his house with bad news that his daughter is dead. Words that hurt and cut deep. Wait a minute, Jesus stops what He is doing and turns and says “that’s not so she is only sleeping and I am ready to go to your house now.” One thing be not afraid, only believe. You know what amazes me about this story is that with all that’s going on the noise, the people, the excitement Jesus still hears a small voice and words of despair. So it may be with you this day, there have been words that have cut deep and it all looks hopeless; I have one word for you and it’s Jesus for He has time for you no matter what’s going on around you.Have a great Weekend!!!!!!!
Wayne S SosebeeReformers Unanimous Director
If you don't know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else.
