Where The Green Grass Grows~Wednesday

Several years ago we had a family friend who was quite close. We loved her, and we loved spending time with her. But after some time I began to see this person for who she really was: negative. It was as if she were Linus, from Peanuts, dragging around a dust cloud of negativity wherever she went.

The worst part? I let her drag me down, too.

Life wasn’t exactly grand at that time, but I had managed to keep a positive and hopeful outlook…until then. During a time of soul searching, I took my troubles to the Lord and repented for being untrusting of His hand, and even unkind to others.

Some changes needed to be made.

I sent my dear friend a message letting her know how much I loved and appreciated her and everything she meant to our family, but I also laid down some boundaries.

I wish I could say that everything turned out all rainbows and roses, but it didn’t. Sadly, my friend couldn’t understand and the relationship fizzled out.
I still mourn the loss of this friendship.

The Bible has a lot to say about our words.

Proverbs 18:21 tells us, “The tongue can bring death or life…”

As women, words are many when we are with friends! It is so important that we stay alert to whether those words are life or death.

First of all, are my words bringing life and refreshment to my dear friend and her life’s situations?

Second, are her words watering my soul with truth, hope, and encouragement, or are they dumping dust upon dust?

If you’ve become a dust collector, now is the time to speak up, and set some boundaries. It won’t be easy, and it may not end in roses and rainbows for you, either, but if you want that “greener grass”, you’ve got to pull up the weeds and dig out the dead stuff!

Maybe you tend to lean towards negativity, too. I encourage you  to soak in the Word and begin to be infused with the life-giving truth found in the Bible. You can’t stay negative when you begin to have your eyes opened to the goodness of our God and the hope found in His promises!

Then, intentionally situate yourself around others who exude life, who make you feel like a better person simply by being in their presence.

Don’t underestimate this: Words are life and death.

I pray that you would be surrounded by others to whom you can speak life and from whom you can receive life.

Gracious words are like honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. (Proverbs 16:24)

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Author:Katie Gibson

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