Saying what I mean is harder when I can’t find the words to use.

So, I remember what our kids told their kids. Use your words, was what my kids often said to their little ones who were struggling with their skinned knees or other frustrations.

Good advice for this seasoned citizen, too— when frustration, fatigue, show up and my get and go left the building.   

Of course for the uncertain times in which we live, maybe there just are no words:

“And sometimes I have kept my feelings to myself, because I could find no language to describe them in.” (Sense and Sensibility)

Maybe, then, it’s a blessing in disguise some days some words elude me . . .

When criticism edges out encouragement, it’s a signal  anger is rising & love needs refueling. We can disagree without being hostile & hurtful but it takes mental wellness, emotional health and spiritual growth. Corral thoughts before they stampede out our lips & create chaos. Patsy Clairmont

Can’t Make Sense of What to Say?

When life gets weird, worrisome or confusing, a friend suggested a prayer that is a better use of my words than adding to the chaos.

Bless (_____________); change me.

God, bless those who can’t see You for looking, who hurt too much to hear Your heart; who may just have some more growing to do.

Change me so that

• I remember  the times I did not corral my thoughts, and added to the chaos.
• I can be a channel of Your peace.

When I Can’t Find Words

Singing other people’s thoughts helps when I have a though time saying what I mean. Sing with me  and Kathleen Battle and Jessye Norman. I promise: singing works wonders!

There is a balm in Gilead
To make the wounded whole;
There is a balm in Gilead
To heal the sin-sick soul.
Some times I feel discouraged,
And think my work’s in vain,
But then the Holy Spirit
Revives my soul again.
~ Harry Thacker Burleigh

Such a good use of simple words in frustrating, scary times.

These are words worth using, eh?

May the Lord Himself bring His words to your mind and heart dear friend, and may you say what you mean — for words are much like rich colors we can use on the canvas the Lord allows us:

“The purpose of art is to bring joy to darkness and truth to imagination.” (Malcolm Gladwell on Paul Simon’s artistry, Miracle and Wonder )

Repeating Myself —Change Me