but did it kill you
Heart matters

But did it kill you? Well then, keep quiet!

Hold on – Let me descend from my proverbial soap box before I fall off and hurt myself!

There. That’s better. Whew! This post was suppose to be about complaining. But as I began typing, I realized that I was complaining about… well… complaining! It was a full circle moment for me. A little voice inside asked me: Luchae, but did it kill you? And no, it did not kill me. I’m still very much alive, thanks. But it got me thinking about how easily we allow our emotions to spill out of our mouths.

We have SO much to say about life, the economy, the government, our next door neighbor, our bosses, and the beat goes on. We’re not living in the easiest of times (although, hey, I’d take today over 600 years ago’s wiping your bum with a banana leaf situation) and yes, there are many reasons why it’s easier to feel more negative than positive. But my question to you is: but did it kill you?

Chances are, it did not kill you. (My reasoning is that you’re still alive right now, so I’m pretty sure that I’m right about this one.) And if it did, in fact, NOT kill you, what’s the point in moaning about it? You’re alive! You still have air in your lungs and purpose running through your veins! That should be motivation enough to be the best you can be.

In my attempt to avoid speaking (and thinking) negatively, I try to stay away from negative conversations. You know, the whole “accept the things you can’t change, change the things you can, and know the difference between the two” and “stay silent if you don’t have anything nice to say” shpiel. It’s actually not bad advice.

I’m also so mindful about what I consume on social media. I mean, social media has wonderful perks but, when used incorrectly, it can be such an easy way to spread hatred, lies and negativity. Not a good look.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that life and death is in the power of the tongue – the Bible says so in Prov 18:21. This means that you have the power to create with your own mouth! You can choose whether you want to speak blessing or curses – which may seem a bit “Liewe Heksie”, but by that I am referring to speaking positivity vs speaking negativity… speaking life verses speaking death!

Not sure whether you can pull this whole “speaking life” thing off? Well, here are a few filters you can use, before letting your words misrepresent you.

Ask yourself
Does, what I have to say, build up or tear down?
Are my motives for saying this good or bad?
Is this meant to be confidential?
Is this truthful, partly truthful or do I have no proof at all?
If the person I am talking about was present, would I still say this?

Something to think about today! I, certainly, have a lot to repent about and am definitely going to be more aware of what comes out of my mouth. How about you?

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