Yesterday I was at an outdoor event, grilling for the group. I love to grill, so it my pleasure to start the charcoal and sweat over the hot dogs on a 90 degree day here in Northeast, OH.
One of the ladies in the group shared why she no longer wears shorts, and what she said caught me completely off guard.
“One day I met my husband at an event, and I had a pair of shorts on. As soon as I walked in, he said to me:
‘Why are you wearing THOSE, they make your legs look totally fat!’
I told him he could have at least waited until after the event to say that. The whole time I stood against the wall because I didn’t want anyone to see my legs.
That same day I went home and changed into pants and threw all of my shorts away.”
Something about what she said made me immediately ask her, “How long ago was that?” She replied, “TEN years.”
I was saddened for her, angry toward the man, and amazed at the impact a single phrase had on this woman’s life, and the effect it will likely have on her until the day she dies. Then I grew sober in my heart and realized how often I am careless with words, wondering how many times I have probably affected lives with what I’ve said.
James chapter 3 is a great reminder for watching our words. A small part of it is quoted below in the graphic. But another verse in the Bible tells us of the way words can sink down deep:
Proverbs 18:8
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
Just about any time is a good time to think about what we say, and how we say it.
Very well written, Chad!! I was thinking about this very same thing today. Well, not that event that happened, but about how harsh and careless people are with their words…even myself! We really need to keep ourselves in check. Thanks for posting this.
Would you believe this lady hasn’t worn shorts a single time since that day?
Good post!
We need to speak words of encouragement and love- but those are the ones we are hesitant about.
Once the good words start flowing, the negative seem to become the affront to us that they are to others. So let me just say right now that I love you and that your contemplative pieces are great!
Wow, you totally threw that guy under the bus. Did you speak to him about your concern, or just post it on your blog?
Hey John…
I don’t know the man. Threw him under the bus? Nah… I quoted his words that were related to me as a woman shared her heartache. He may be a changed/different man now and very gracious to all around him. Curious as to why you think I threw him under the bus in this blog post. The point of the post was not to focus on this man, but to emphasize the impact our words have on others. Help me understand how this guy has been bussed.