Yesterday I got a message on Facebook from a friend from long ago. She said...

Just the other day I remembered something you said at least 25 years ago and it changed my life, to you it was probably insignificant but it was HUGE to me. Someone on the team had said something to you about me and my 'control' issue. Instead of agreeing with them you told them that "yes, it was amazing how far God had brought me in the couple of years you had known me." It was one of the first times someone had seen (and put into words to me) where I was going instead of where I was and it gave me hope. I try to speak that hope to others, especially my kids because I know what a difference it made to me that day.

I don't remember that conversation--but I am struck once again by the power of words. Even the little ones, in seemingly forgettable conversations, can have huge, life-time impact. I wonder how many things I have said where I will never know the impact---for good or for bad? Not a lot I can do about the past. But I can determine today to use my words to give life.

"A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire." (James 3:5, MSG)