Speak Gently

I got a reminder today of the power the tongue wields. I took a thank you card and some fresh bagels up to the ICU for the phenomenal staff who cared for mom last week. The nursing supervisor gave me a hug and started crying. When I comforted her and asked her not to cry, she said, “It’s because you guys were so kind.”

When we made the decision to change mom’s care to comfort care last week, one of the doctors thanked me and my family for doing what was best for her without any arguments between us. He said I’d be surprised how often it gets ugly when these decisions need to be made.

When the nursing supervisor said we were so kind, I realized that the ugliness was also directed towards the staff, and not just between the family members, and my heart broke for them. How horrible it must be to be verbally assaulted when they are just doing their best for the patients!! Equally as horrible that families are so divided on doing what is right for their loved one that they fight amongst each other and turn their frustration and grief against the medical staff.

As I was driving home a passage from James 3 came to mind. “but no one can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:8)

This experience was a good reminder to myself – how often has my tongue been out of control? How often have I projected my own frustration and grief towards someone else in a negative way? Have I recognized when I did this and reached out to apologize and seek forgiveness? Is there anyone I need to call and apologize?

Heavenly Father, help me to control my tongue and strive to always speak gently as Christ would have done. Teach me to take my frustration and grief to You consistently and not lash out towards others. Grow in me an attitude of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control. Help me to walk in step with the Holy Spirit in all that I do.