Words. What’s the saying? “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me!” Oh what an incredible lie that is. Words hurt more than the sticks for sure; I’m pretty positive words hurt longer than the stones too. As the bruises fade, the sting of what was spoken doesn’t seem to disappear.

Words are funny; funny as in something that is meant to come out one way but the listener hears the exact opposite. I wonder how that happens? Do we really hear what we want to hear?

Lately I have found myself trying to encourage certain women. I have this longing to help them grow deeper, to understand the love God has for them. I want them to be victorious. However, today I was ripped apart by words. My heart torn into shreds by women who don’t even want to see my heart. I was told that I’m a liar, I’m manipulative, I’m jealous, I’m selfish, that I’m trying to tear apart a family. All the contrary to what I want to be.

Sometimes our words are used to uplift someone, other times the enemy uses what we say to damage. He purposely distorts our hearing. What do you hear when people speak to you? Are you hearing the love they have for you or the flaws you find in your own self? Is it what they are saying or what you are hearing?

I pray that every lady that takes a moment from their day to read this stops and considers not only how they speak to other women but also how you hear what women say to you. Father God come and open our ears to really hear. Protect our minds from listening to lies. Help us to take our every thought captive only believing what comes from you; help us to discern the difference. Amen.