not many of us want to call our children nasty names. when mrT and i were expecting our children, we were very careful to investigate the meanings of the names before we decided they were the names we wanted. why? because we firmly believe that, although we may be speaking their actual name, we are prophesying the characteristics of the meaning into their lives.
my challenge lately has not been changing their names, but watching my tone because sometimes my voice says a child is stupid, dumb, or less than the gift that God gave me. how terrible. what devastating effects it can have. a sunny disposition can turn thunderous very quickly.
a wonderful piece of advice my mom (i think) gave me is to listen to my words and at the end of a sentence silently add "sweetheart" or "stupid." very quickly one's tone dictates which name your words imply.
like proverbs 15:3 says, 'a soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.'
i want my interactions with people to be 'sweetheart.' i'm starting at home.
Ah yes... Watching the tone... I often ask my kiddos for forgiveness in this area.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this reminder! The idea of silently adding "sweetheart" or "stupid" at the end of the sentence sounds like such a practical reminder to be kind and gentle.
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