It's Not Okay

My niece, Livvy, and I have a wonderful and close relationship; I respect her opinion and often seek her advice. But sometimes we keep it light and just chat, or brainstorm, or laugh.

A couple of days ago we were together discussing health issues, both our business endeavors, and other fairly weighty issues. I wasn't feeling particularly optimistic about any of them and spoke openly about my frustration. My wise, sweet niece called me out on it in her own respectful, loving way.

She reminded me of conversations we've had in the past in which we discussed the impact of our words, and the effect of positive affirmations, particularly those spoken out loud.

Of course, I immediately began making excuses, "But I don't feel that way. I seriously don't feel good and I am truly having issues with my business. What am I supposed to say? I can't say 'oh, I feel great' when I don't!"

"You say it sarcastically or jokingly if you have to, but you say it. Out loud. It's okay to say, 'oh, I'm just full of energy today,' even when you think you can't take another step."

And the implication was, "It's NOT okay to give the enemy a foothold with your words."

Our words matter -- just think of all the Scriptures that reference words! Here are just a few:

• God SPOKE everything that is into existence
• The Israelites experienced God's punishment because they GRUMBLED against Moses
• The Israelites SHOUTED and the walls of Jericho came down
• God caused a donkey to SPEAK in the Old Testament to get the donkey's owner's attention
• Jacob was named deceiver and he became exactly that; God renamed him Israel and he turned his life around and lived up to his new name
• The book of Romans tells us we must 'CONFESS WITH OUR MOUTH' the Lord Jesus Christ' and believe in our hearts to be saved

Livvy's right--my words matter. I'm so grateful she loved me enough to speak truth into my life that day.

It's not okay to verbalize defeat. Instead, I decided that day to claim happiness, and it revolutionized my day!