The Sting of Unpleasant Words
March 16, 2018
Mona Pineda (Marnell)
Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24
I have to be honest.
Sometimes this verse just sticks in my craw – and much to my worn out chagrin – it has been stuck there a great deal recently. It’s getting dadgum painful.
Because here it is – I can be pretty – what my mama used to call ‘catty’ –
when I am frustrated, hurt, or plain just don’t get my way – I am snide, unkind, impatient, and selfish. And it seems like during this Lenten season, as I have leaned in and listened for the voice of the Lover of My Soul – I’ve been especially aware of my UNpleasant words that grieve the spirit of God and cause me and those close to me to stumble.
These unpleasant words sting like a honeybee, stir up bitterness, and inflict wounds. My cattiness hobbles me and keeps me from being the healer I am called to be.
I wonder if anyone else struggles with using unkind, stinging words. I wonder if anyone else couches a little cattiness in comments like, “I don’t want to be ugly, but…” I wonder if anyone else feels a little heartsick after a saying things that sting and burn.
So. We are, nearly through Lent, but it’s not too late for me to repent. And so I do.
I want, with all my heart, for my words to not just be sweet – but to healing and life-giving.
May it be so.
Peace, Mona
The Way 
Mona, we haven’t met but I do love you so much for loving sweet Dave!! Your words sounded as if you had looked deep in my heart and read about the place that makes me feel like I have been one of God’s worst disciples! My word don’t always sound like that but my heart still thinks it! Same thing as if I had said the words. Thank you for sharing your heart. It is so comforting to know we all have issues with our “Crummy” hearts and striving together to allow our precious Lord to make us better than we ever thought possible. Would so love to visit with you and Dave when you have a chance to come to Pensacola!
LikeLike