Each of us is faced with thousands of choices every day that define our thoughts, our behavior, and who we are to the world. This fall’s Thrive Conference explores the idea that the choices we make hold power and provide opportunities that influence ourselves, others, and how we see God. Each Tuesday from now until October, we’ll feature one story of someone whose life was changed by the conference or who was faced with a choice and held firmly to the belief that “I Choose.” Today’s story is courtesy of Cindy Dullum, who writes about how she chooses her words.

Today I will choose my words. I will ask the Lord to make me aware of the words that I speak. Do I gossip? Curse others? Damn people and things? What are the words that I speak over others? Over myself?

What are the words that I proclaim daily? Do they sound like this?

I’m not good at anything!
She always makes poor choices.
I can’t do anything right!
He will never stop drinking.
I’ll never forgive him!

Words matter. They make a difference. Today I will choose my words carefully. Today I will say things like:

I am good at my job!
I will pray for her. Lead her, Lord.
I will pray for him to stop drinking. With God’s help he can be an overcomer!
I will bless others.

Today, for a moment, I may even hold my tongue in silence as an act of obedience.

Words are powerful. Today I will choose my words wisely.

Lord, may blessing flow from my innermost being. Will you help me tame my tongue? May I speak encouraging words to build others up and not to tear them down. May I be careful and wise over the words I speak into my own life as well. Thank you for your help. Thank you for your forgiveness and grace.

“But no human being can tame the tongue – a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My Brethren, this ought not to be so.” James 3:8-10

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