One Kind Word

Selah Reverie
Jul 3
2 min read

While I was out running errands yesterday, I thought about how easy it is for one person to make a difference. I thought about the trend, pay it forward, that was popular a few years back, and that it's not even as hard as paying for the order behind you or donating your time or money. It's as simple as noticing and offering a kind word of encouragement.

A young mother is out grocery shopping with her children. Instead of saying,"Boy you sure have a handful"(how many times have I heard that?!), try saying, "What a beautiful family you have, you're doing a great job." She goes home feeling lighter. Maybe she doesn't snap at her children. Her husband is met with a smile and not stress. That home is different today because one person took notice.

I recently received a very unexpected postcard from a friend who just wanted to bless me. It cost her a stamp and it made my day.

It really doesn't take much.

Of course, there are always the bigger things, like bringing someone a meal, offering a ride or supporting someone through a tough time. But just by being kind, we can create a ripple that may affect many others.

And unfortunately, it goes the other way just as easy. Being hateful, telling lies, spreading rumors and saying hurtful things, can cause a ripple in the other direction.

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat of it's fruit." -Proverbs 18:21

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." -Ephesians 4:32

I don't really know why some people are just...mean. It seems it comes naturally for some. Pain, pride, bitterness, shame. Habit. Bad upbringing. Who knows.

The other day, my daughter was wearing a pretty dress and a woman said "Your dress is so pretty! But it'd look a lot better if it were pink."

Lady, you were so close.

A few less words.

Kind words matter more than we think.

You never know the weight someone else is carrying and how you can make a difference.