While visiting with my girls, Jessie and Sarah, their children playing around us, my little Lilly didn’t miss an opportunity to speak into her grandma. I had been showing my daughters a recent photo that was taken of me. They liked it! I, on the other hand, did not. I have to admit, I was biting back tears. Am I so vain? Am I the only person who does NOT like her picture? I pick apart every little and big thing! I found myself saying-the trouble with the picture is . . . that it looks just like me!
It was little Lilly that walked up to me a bit later, after noticing a new picture on my wall. She said; “Grandma, I like that picture of you! It’s so pretty!” At 5 years old, she encourages others naturally. Was she looking for a chance to say that? Was she listening to the “adults” talking? Oh! I hope not! How easy it is to spill these negative thoughts over onto our children and grandchildren. They are always watching! Always listening. Always tuned in.
Immediately, I realized that these words were spoken in front of all these little ones. I sure didn’t want any one of them to have such self-negative talk. It’s toxic. It’s dangerous. Its . . . self-destructive!
I’ve probably passed it onto my children, but I don’t have to pass it on to my grandchildren! I would much rather pass on faith, confidence, and truth. I want them know that they are dearly loved by me and by God. In fact, he calls us his children. Beloved, we are God’s children now. I John 3:2
James warns us about our tongue in chapter 3. He says it is a blazing fire. Proverbs 15:4 tells us that “gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” God convicted me of my words that day. Not only were they crushing my spirit but I could be passing these negative words onto my grandchildren! (Here comes the “mom” guilt! Or “grandma” guilt-same thing!)
Well, fast forward with me a few weeks! I opened up my messages to a picture of my little Lilly. She had come out of her room after getting dressed; exclaiming to her mom; “I feel pretty. Can you take my picture?” That needs to be shared!
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