Do you use your speech to build people up or tear them down?

In Ephesians 4:29, Paul says to use “words that help others become stronger.” Words are so important—nothing kills attractiveness like rudeness. Not only does smart, helpful talk make the guys and girls around you feel better, but it puts you at ease, too. Encouragement is also refreshing—like a cool drink on a hot day.

So the next time you feel yourself losing it, take a time out, and ask God to give you the right words to say. Use your lips to lift up the listener!

When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you. Ephesians 4:29 NCV

Excerpted from Revolve™ 2009: The Complete New Testament. © 2008 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Holy Bible, New Century Version. © 2005 Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Hopefully you are finding some time to relax and enjoy a snowball here and there. In the meantime I thought I’d share a little bit about my summer and tackle one of the questions we get often.

THE QUESTION: “Why does God allow bad things to happen?”

You know, something light and easy.

It’s a tough question and let me say right here and right now, I’m not saying I can answer it, but I was hoping that through sharing a few encounters I’ve had this summer, maybe you’d find some encouragement.

STORY #1

I went to Zambia in June with Hoops of Hope to deliver some backpacks that many of you helped us raise money for by shooting hoops. (Thank you so much btw!!!)

One of the moments that impacted me was meeting a volunteer caregiver named Pavis and her baby girl Joy.

Pavis volunteers her time once a week to visit Monica, who is HIV positive, and provide her care. It is such a long walk for Monica to get to the clinic. It’s a very long walk for Pavis, as well.

Pavis is a mom and a farmer. It’s not like she can hop in her car and run a few quick errands. And it’s not like Pavis has a ton of resources herself. But once a week she straps baby Joy onto her back and heads to Monica’s village to love her.

I asked her why she volunteered so much of her time each week to care for Monica.

She told me, “I lost both of my parents to HIV. This is just my way of giving back.”

Oh.

So let me get this straight.

That’s a really bad thing that happened to you. Losing both of your parents.

And you are choosing to love others and serve out of this tragedy that happened to you.

Hmm . . .

(More stories coming soon!)