Ready for some 'grace-full' words

?If you can?t say something nice, don?t say anything at all.? If my mother said that once she must have said it a thousand times a year (maybe I needed that many reminders!). And I turned around and said the same thing to my sons when I became a parent. I think that saying may have its roots in something written to the Ephesians almost 2,000 years ago: ?Do not let anything corrupt come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may impart grace to those who hear.? (Ephesians 4:29)

After the barrage of negativity (whether true or not) that came to our ears and eyes via every form of media out there during this past election campaign, I know I am more than ready for some ?grace-full? words. You know, it?s up to you and me to speak those words. If we didn?t let the candidates and their minions get away with the attack ads, we wouldn?t hear nearly so many. If we didn?t speak unkindness to our children, our spouses, our co-workers, our students, and others we meet in our daily interactions, they wouldn?t be so likely to repeat them back to us or to the next person who comes their way.

Instead let?s take the high road and decide to offer words that build each other up, words that offer guidance and encouragement. Let?s speak words that might bring peace and hope rather than adding to feelings of fear or despair. We have the capacity to imitate God?s grace, so freely given to us, as we interact with the world around us. It doesn?t cost a thing to be kind and it?s a great investment in your own well-being as well. For as my mother also used to say, ?What goes around, comes around.?