Mama Always Says

After dropping Sydney off at school this morning I heard a DJ refer to a familiar scripture from Ephesians 4:29 which reminded me of a quote that I often shared with my kiddos during the earlier years of their childhood.  It was a line from the animated film, Bambi. This quote has been spoken so many times that whenever any of us begin saying the first couple of words of the phrase, we all join in using the same slow and steady, southern-ish drawl as the adorable bunny character, Thumper.

"Mama always says... if you don't have somethin' nice to say...  then don't say anything at all."

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."  Ephesians 4:29 (New International Version)

Lately, I'm happily noticing that it is easier than ever to think before I speak.  Maybe it's wisdom that comes with age but I honestly believe that the recent awareness regarding every word that comes out of my mouth has much to do with my prayer journey.


Even while in the car with my only been driving for a week, fifteen year old daughter, I choose the words that I say rather than just belting 'em out.  Sure, my foot has hit the invisible brakes on the passenger side of our van more than once, but my mouth, thankfully, has been quite selective.

I know that just because I'm taking the time to talk with God in prayer through this blog doesn't mean that I will always successfully hold my tongue and only say things at the appropriate time or in the perfect way, but I do believe that having a talk with God makes all of the difference in the world regarding the words that are spoken into the ears and hearts of my dear ones.

Dear God, I've heard it said that it takes at least a thousand "that-a boys" to erase just one negative comment from someone's memory.  Man, oh man, do I ever have a lot of that-a boys that I need say!

You know I'm not really the gossipy type but my mouth certainly can tear a person to pieces in a heartbeat if they even come close to attacking me or anyone that I love.

When I was just a kid, one of my sister-in-laws once told me that I would make a great lawyer and now that I'm older, I understand what she was really saying.

I have a quick temper and a potentially hazardous way with words whenever I am crossed or passionate about an issue.  Unfortunately, I'm sure that my husband can testify to this and know without a doubt that my children are well aware of my sometimes big mouth and God, you know every single word that has ever passed my lips and even the awful ones that I've thought but not said...

Forgive me for my quick temper and my violent tongue that have definitely reeked havoc in the past. Please continue to help me think before I speak and only speak words that are edifying.  Help me with the ones I only think of saying, too. When I get to heaven I know that I want to hear good words from you, so I need to take full responsibility for choosing what I say, especially when I am hurt or angry.  Also, keep my voice and thoughts from words of doubt and disbelief because I am believing that even thinking those words makes you sad.

While growing up, I can remember my Mom going about her daily tasks around the house singing this old chorus that said,

Victory, victory shall be mine.  

Victory, victory shall be mine!  

If I hold my peace, and let the Lord fight my battles.  
If I hold my peace, and let the Lord fight my battles.

Victory, victory shall be mine.

Thank you for the little bit of progress in thinking before I speak that I've noticed since beginning this journey of conversational prayer time and thank you for all of those times, way back when, that a fluffy little animated rabbit served as a reminder, too. Thank you, that I can sense that you are with me and are helping me and thank you that I have chosen to take this intentional time to talk with you.

Unless  and until I return to school to become an attorney, please, oh please, Lord, keep me reminded of the need to hold my peace so that the victories can be many, and the wounded be few.