31 Days: Listen in Solitude

In solitude we can listen to the voice of him who spoke to us before we could speak a word, who healed us before we could make any gesture to help, who set us free long before we could free others, and who loved us long before we could give love to anyone. It is in this solitude that we discover that being is more important than having, and that we are worth more than the result of our efforts. In solitude we discover that our life is not a possession to be defended, but a gift to be shared.

Henri Nouwen, Out of Solitude: three meditations on the Christian life

 

This is Day 21 of the series 31 Days to Listen. Visit Write 31 Days to see what other writers are doing for this challenge.

When my words have power

My words have power.

When I speak out of hurt. When I speak out of defensiveness. When I speak without thought for what I am saying and who is listening. My words have power.

The power to wound.

Like tiny barbed hooks my words catch and tear at another’s heart.

But when I speak out of love. When I speak out of gentleness. When I speak out of grace. When I speak encouragement.

Then my words have the power to heal.

Gracious words are life-giving, filled with blessing.

May I be the bearer of blessing for those who hear my words today.

[Original image sourced here.]