The Power of Words

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psalm 119:105

I didn't really understand how powerful words actually were until the past few days... As Brian headed off to Jamaica, I realized how much I missed his voice, and not just his voice, but the words of love he always gives to me. When he left Thursday morning, I knew those simple words were gone... atleast for a period of 8 days. It was awesome to head to the bathroom that morning he left to find a small, yellow post-it note with the most beautiful words, encouraging me to find comfort in our Lord. Even those few words were enough to get me through the day, or so I thought.

I headed out the door to head off to work, and soon, I came across a manilla envelope sitting in my driver's seat. It was a gift from my husband, but I was rushed and needed to hurry off to my early morning meeting. Thankfully, Brian called on the way to work; I don't even remember what we talked about other than he was getting a green tea with "no sugar and one Splenda" and that this being away was harder than he expected. It wasn't until I arrived at school and after my meeting that I was able to open the envelope.

It was harder than I could have ever imagined reading that letter... Yes, it was exactly what I wanted, but it was HIM I was longing to hear. I guess the Lord knows what He is doing, as this trip is advancing HIS Kingdom among those people in Jamaica, the place where Brian and I actually met in 2004. I also realized that God was in the middle of teaching us to cling to Him, and that the words we were able to leave and give to one another was a gift from Him as well.

Another blessing came when Brian called last night to tell me he had created an email address to be able to communicate with me over the trip... The church where they are working in this remote town on top of a mountain ACTUALLY has internet now, slow moving internet, but another God-given gift. I woke up this morning to TWO emails from my husband.

I also have learned that words are healing... As I lay in bed last night, one of the first times without him, I couldn't sleep. I was sick with a fever, sore throat, and stuffy nose, but more so, I was longing for him. After figuring that crying was getting me nowhere, I called my sister, who comforted me just by talking to me about school, my being sick, about dinner, etc. In just a few quick minutes, I was ready for bed. How strong words can be in times of need!

I was again sick this morning, and the fever had not subsided leaving me unable to go to school. It wasn't long after waking up a second time around 11 that I saw how lonely I was. I sat feeling sorry for myself, watching hour after hour of t.v. At 3:30, the phone rang and the voice was SO familiar... He had called in the middle of the day for no reason. I felt great again, but soon after, that sadness creeped in again. The devil likes to find us at our weakest and take over... That is, until I got the mail.

I saw a card addressed to me from my childhood best friend. She had sent me a card to tell me Happy Birthday, but her letter inside was so much stronger than just a birthday one. She talked about how she loved me, missed me, and was praying for me. I cannot tell you how those words lifted my heart. I love knowing that God can give us exactly what we need when we need it.

What a blessing it is to know that our God can give us words to bring peace to our hearts through others! As Philipians 4:7 says,
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
I am blessed by a God who cares for me deeper than I can for even my husband. The Lord gives us words to live by and love, but how often do we pass them by?! I am thankful for the words I've been given, and I pray that I will take every word to heart.