The Power of Words

“…the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles.” James 3:5 NKJV

I was my dad’s only child. I have a half-brother and sister from my mom. My brother is nine years older, and my sister is sixteen years older. My dad didn’t think he could have children. He was 49 when I was born. Needless to say, he spoiled me, but I knew he loved me. He often used to sing to me an old song, “You Are My Sunshine.” Here are the lyrics he used to sing:

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You’ll never know, dear, how much I love you
Please don’t take my sunshine away.

I was a chubby child (I still fight the battle of the bulge!). From about the age of six, I had a mild form of epilepsy, but it was not diagnosed until I was a senior in high school. I was not athletic and was quite clumsy, actually. The epilepsy had a lot to do with that. But I did well in school and had many friends. My dad was my special friend, though. He was always encouraging me to do my best.

One time, when I was about six or seven, he bought me a bicycle and took me on the back roads, teaching me how to ride it before we got home so my mom wouldn’t be mad at both of us.

My dad only completed the sixth grade. He had to quit school to work on the farm, so education was very important to him. He encouraged me to pursue my dream. I wanted to be a registered nurse, and after college, I had “RN” after my name. 

James 3:10 says, “Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.”

Be a blessing to those around you, your family, friends, co-workers, and everyone you meet. People need and want to hear kind, encouraging words. It can change their day, and possibly their life.

Kathie Shedd