I ramble a lot less on this blog than I do in real life. Being able to edit, delete, and pause I can thoughtfully put words to screen and share as much, or as little, as I feel led.
In real life though? Oh boy. I ramble. Have you ever had a conversation with someone, and in some sort of “out of body experience” you can hear yourself going on….and on…and on…and you can’t figure out why someone won’t shut that girl up?
Yeah. That happens to me a lot, unfortunately. And then I go back to my desk/car/wherever and wonder what in the world I just said and why did those words just NOT STOP coming out of my mouth?
Sigh.
I love words. It’s why I have a blog. And why I have a bachelor’s in English and a masters in Liberal Studies. Mama loves her some words (shout out to Villanova while I’m at it…my heart wishes I could be starting a new school year there again!). But I’m starting to realize … maybe in the wisdom that comes with age? ha….that maybe I need to …ahem…listen more?
God has been revealing a lot to my heart about this through my study of Proverbs. I joined the She Reads Truth girls a little late on this study but I love reading this book of the Bible. I’m reading through it in the Message translation because it puts a fresh perspective on something I might have read 100 times before. Here are some of the verses that have stood out to me:
I don’t know about you, but I want my words – written and spoken – to be fruit, not poison. Praying that God would help me edit my real life self as much as He gives me the wisdom to edit my writing. I’ll choose word-poverty to have a richer life, where I hear more than I speak.
Has God been speaking to you through any Bible studies lately? I’d love to hear about it and know how I can pray for you!
Oh this post makes me smile! 🙂 Love the verses you highlighted… I am so with you… I want my words to be fruit!! So happy to connect with you through the Always Alleluia link up!
that’s the one that stood out to me, too! It’s amazing the simple thigs we have to be told outright to get it. Even then, we still don’t always get it.
I too ramble. I tell people all the time that I talk myself into a headache often. I am better after becoming not only aware, but admitting this issue to others. In August I was taught the power of listening. Two very sweet blogger friends said to me “Give others the gift you’ve been given, the gift of telling their story. You have told yours and now let them tell theirs.” This advice rocked me to the core and has not left me. I pray it never does. It was that very advice that allowed me to sit with the woman my husband had an affair with gifting her the gift of story. Through my listening I was able to heal and she was too. Proof that listening is as powerful as the telling.
I totally resonated with this! I often replay conversations cringing at some of the thoughtless things I said. I also am praying and working on doing more listening, asking more questions, and seeking the leading of the Holy Spirit before I speak. Loved all the verses you shared- I read through Proverbs once each month (31 chapters so most months I read all of them) and that has been so helpful since it talks a lot about how damaging talking too much can be.
Found you through Always Alleluia, so glad I stopped by. 🙂
I’m so glad you enjoy them 🙂
That’s the one that stood out to me, too! We are so blessed to have so many versions of the Word at our fingertips 🙂
Absolutely love this post!!! I think my favorite verse that you shared is “Answering without listening is both stupid and rude.”!!! I keep telling myself that I need to read more from The Message. I’m working my way through the NT right now- smack dab in the middle of Luke- and loving the new insights that jump out at me. His Word is so rich, isn’t it?!!
I hear you! I’m right there with you. Sometimes I wish I could sew my mouth shut so I don’t keep talking. he will grow us in this area..I believe it. Thank you for your post. I enjoy reading your posts 🙂