Words…I have a very dear and wise friend who has recently been sharing the phrase “Words matter” the “words” we use to communicate can and do deliver different meanings and solicit a plethora of reactions based upon how and why they are used and delivered. Our words can be far worse than any physical pain we could cause someone. In like manner, words can heal more quickly than any form of medicine. God tells us in Proverbs 12:18 “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” And, in James 1:19-20 “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” I recently shared a story about “Star Words” it is an activity my church is practicing as we journey towards Advent and for some of us we want our “Star Word” to guide us throughout the year similar to the “My One Word” project. We have a basket filled with yellow stars with a word written on it, each person randomly picks a Star Word and then prayerfully seeks to discover its purpose and place in their life while being led by Spirit. Tonight I had the pleasure of leading a group of women from my church called Esther’s Circle, we meet once a month in someone’s home where we (re)connect with one another, have a devotional time and finish the evening off with light snacks and desserts. We had a group of 9 women tonight and I thought it would be fun to expand the “Star Word” campaign to our group. I gave a brief explanation of “Star Word” and ask the group to think about the Star of Bethlehem and the words that might come to mind regarding what the Star meant to the people at the time of Jesus’s birth. We also talked about the new movie that was released back in December 2017 called “The Star” although I have not seen it yet, I have heard nothing but good things about it. Highly recommended!
So, we passed the basket of words around the group and about half of our group had already picked their individual “Star Word” so after everyone else had picked a word, we went around the room stating our word and what it might mean. It was an amazing evening of sharing thoughts and ideas as well as encouraging one another in friendship and sisterhood through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We laughed at some of our words as they seemed in some cases to be a perfect fit for our lives at this present moment. Here’s a list of words for our group: humor, responsiveness, discipleship, trust, purpose, listen, reliability, selflessness, accountability and renewal. We celebrated the strength of our group and as individuals who love God and strive to live into the women He created us to be. We have not ever officially picked a life verse for our group but unofficially I like this scripture verse from Esther 4:14 “…And who knows but that you were born (have come to your royal position) for such a time as this?” Another favorite is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I have one final thought to share with you and most especially to my Esther’s Circle friends, tonight as we finished our time together I jokingly thanked them for the opportunity to be the unofficial leader and provide direction for our group and stated that I would not have excitedly volunteered for the position (AND) I am ever so grateful for this unique and special opportunity to serve God and my friends. Tonight was the first time I experienced total comfort in leading and sharing, not in the usually “that felt good” kind of way one feels when one accomplishes something. No this was more than any of that, it was the purest form of joy I have ever felt. I felt led by the Spirit as I shared from my heart. Another reminder of my friend’s advice and phrase, “Words Matter, Words have Meaning” along those same lines of thought is this; truth and true words flow calmly and steadily when we seek to spread the Word and Love of Jesus.
References:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%2012:18&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=James%201:19-20&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Esther%204:14&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Jeremiah%2029:11&version=NIV
~Blessings and Peace~
HOPE SEEKER 
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