STICKS AND STONES CAN BREAK BONES BUT WORDS CAN SHATTER ME
By Carolyn Dale Newell
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3 NKJV
We have all done it. We have all said something in anger we wish we could take back. Quite likely, we all have been struck by those verbal bullets too. Words that wound and degrade. Name calling that pierces and stings.
I remember vividly as a legally blind child the name calling I received from my classmates. I was different, and I used large print books which were big. And also, different. Different puts a target on your back.
In retrospect, I see how that held me back as an adult. Ashamed to use anything in public to assist me. No magnifiers. No white cane.
Finally, God broke the bondage that held me captive for many years. I freely use my cane, my guide dog, and my iPhone with assistive apps in public now. I am no longer afraid to ask someone for help when I need it.
We can ignore the random darts that are thrown our way, but what about the constant pounding some people have to endure? Words like “stupid” or “good for nothing”. Statements like “Nobody will ever love you” or “You’ll never amount to anything”.
When possible, avoid these negative people. They are cruel, and they are probably trying to cover up their own insecurities.
Sometimes, there are situations when avoiding these type of people is impossible. It may be a parent, teacher, boss or some other authority figure.
A person can only endure so much verbal abuse before it breaks their self-confidence. They believe what they are being told about themselves. Then what?
Did you know God specializes in heart surgery? He loves to mend broken hearts, making them whole again. He binds up the wounds sharp words have ripped open. He is a Father who loves and cares for you. He wants you to come to Him like a little child telling Him everything. His love for you put His Own Son on Calvary’s cross to die in your place. Take your brokenness to God. The hurt caused by wounding words can be unbearable, but God’s healing will be unbelievable.
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me of Your great love. I bring You all the hurt and shame I have collected. I leave it with You, casting my cares on You because You care for me. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Ephesians 1 and highlight the names and descriptions God uses for you.
HIKING THE TRAIL
Whether you are scarred by words from the past or you are dealing with them today, God really does care about your brokenness. Start seeing yourself in His eyes – A child of the king.
A Mountain of Faith 