be careful with your words

Dear Unbridled Tongue, 
Remember that women’s conference?  The one where Jennifer Rothschild was one of the keynote speakers?   Well, that day, I was ecstatic to be there until I am offended.   All because of you, unbridled tongue!

As I sat, at the conference, on the end of a row of seats, one of the volunteers stops to the left of me, and looks down the row I am seated in.  At the time, I was the only one sitting in the row.   She then says to the women, whom she is trying to seat, that this is the disability section.  

I then respond to her letting her know that it is not.  She then turns to the ladies and says something like, “Well, you know what I mean.”  As if I cannot hear her!   Guess she didn’t realize that the devices on my head were cochlear implants and with them I can hear.  every. single. word. she. said.
  
So, as she walks away I begin to tear up.  Unbridled tongue, you have done it again.  I am offended right up in the church.     My mind begins to think on all the other people around me who heard her.   I contemplate leaving but I decide to stay although I am now deflated.  A few minutes later, a group of women come by, and ask if the seats in my row are taken and happily sit with me.  We engage in dialog as if I were as normal as they.  

Because I am!!!

The conference starts and lo and behold the theme is none other than “Yes She Can”.  Basically, Jennifer speaks about being able to do whatever God has purposed you to do and how every one is fully able.  There she stood, on the stage, and little did she know her words were speaking life back into me.

And, sorry to disappoint, but yes, I wish I could’ve found you, unbridled tongue, and flashed the “Yes She Can” card right up in your face. 

But in the end, I am guilty of making assumptions, too.  I am guilty of saying things that may offend someone without thinking them through.  I am guilty of being like you - unbridled tongue. 

So, Father, forgive me for all the offensive words I have spoken unknowingly.  Please help me to think, before I speak, and for my words to be those that strengthen and encourage.   In Jesus Name, Amen.

Tongue tied again,
Liz​