"Sticks and stones..."

"Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear."

(Ephesians 4:29)

I wanted to be a lawyer during junior high and high school. Yes, I was involved with "Mock Trial," but it ran deeper than just participation envy. I loved any story, movie, book, or TV show with a lawyer in it. I envisioned being able to sway, impress, and manipulate people with my oratory prowess. And I wanted to help people, too. May Grandma White told me, upon high school graduation, "The world needs more Christian lawyers." So true.

Not every lawyer show, book, story, or movie is a positive example, of course (just look at all the lawyer jokes there are in the world!). One of the most memorable lawyers in my recent memory is Saul Goodman, from "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul." He was SO OILY in Breaking Bad - but so fun to watch! It's been interesting to see his back story in the "prequel" series, "Better Call Saul"... and what drove him from being the good-natured, kind Jimmy McGill to the hardened, no scruples, cut-throat lawyer Saul Goodman. But it also reminds me of the power that words have to heal or hurt.

I didn't need Saul Goodman to teach me this, of course. I learned at a young age that words were powerful. They can hurt or bless. I remember growing up, I wasn't always as careful with my words when it came to my younger brother, Ed. Nothing outright cruel or vicious, of course... just teasing & joking, but not always in the best light. I also would joke around with my friends as I grew up (including being very good at wielding sarcasm!).

But as an adult, I've tried to learn from the "folly of my youth." Words are so vitally important. WHAT we say matters. WHEN we say it matters. And HOW we say it matters. The apostle Paul, who wrote the book of Ephesians, knew this too. "Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear."

How would our (my!) speech change if we ONLY spoke words that built up, encouraged, and gave grace to others? No criticisms. No sarcasm. No harsh language. No cynicism. Just grace.

May it be so in me.