Watch What You Say!

 

Yesterday, I was having my alone time at the beach, enjoying my Monday relaxing and basking in the beauty of Morro Bay. I had my coffee, my journal and my Bible. A verse from King David located in the Book of Psalms 141:3 not only caught my eye, but it also caught my heart...in a convicting way. It goes like this:

 

 

"Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips."

 

 

Basically, this piece poetry was telling me to keep my mouth shut, to watch what I say, to close my mouth, to...you get the picture. Immediately, my mind started to jump all over the Bible to other passages that confirmed what I was hearing. For example, I read in Mark 9 and the story of the Transfiguration. Peter is so caught up in the moment he says something really lame; namely, he blurts out that it would be good to build three alters - one for Jesus, one for Elijah and one for Moses. No sooner did he get that out of his mouth did a voice come from heaven, "...listen to My Son!" In other words you knuckle head, listen to Jesus, the other dudes are just like you! And, then I journeyed over to James 1 where the half-brother of Jesus said that we should be quick to hear and slow to speak; or, since you've only been given one mouth and two ears, use the ears more man.

 

 

It seems to be a common thread of scripture, be careful what comes out of your mouth. Ephesians 4:29 reminds me that everything I say should speak unmerited favor to those who hear it. Paul, the author of this little New Testament book stated that we should be use our speech and what we say in a way that not only provides unmerited favor to the hearer, but also what we say should be a form of ministry, a way of lifting up, a way of blessing to the recipient.

 

 

Bottom line, for me: think and pray before I speak. Profound, I know...let me put it this way, as I wrote in my journal yesterday: Randy, think about what comes out of the door of your mouth in such a way that it is a blessing and not a curse; ensure its refreshing, empowering and full of love.

 

 

A simple reminder for me, perhaps you, that what I/we say should be a form of building up verses tearing down, a way to say I/we love instead of a way to express disdain, and a way to serve others rather than taking from others. Speech is a powerful tool - let's use it for His purpose and for His much loved humanity!

The Power of Touch

Last Friday was one of those days that will be etched in my memory bank for a long time to come.  On Friday’s, I’m honored to serve the Morro Bay Police Department as a Chaplain and ride in the squad car with my buddy Hannibal.  My day started with two hours of marriage counseling at my office over at the church and ended ten hours later back at my office counseling a good friend through a turbulent time.  Needless to say, I was emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically spent.  What happened in the middle of my therapy sessions is what touched, tugged and even tore at my heart.  You see, I never know what to expect on Fridays – and, Friday the 6^th of August was no exception.  From a domestic violence situation that Officer’s Pipan and Hannibal handled brilliantly to the normal police work, I was stoked to witness the MBPD champion what they do so well – care for the citizens of Morro Bay.

During my observations, I was touched emotionally with the touch physically of these officers.  As a Chaplain, my role is simply to provide a word of encouragement, a silent prayer here and there and, if needed, a word of counsel to a distraught civilian.  On one of the calls, a family was grieving over the death of their three dogs.  When we arrived, a ten year old girl was having trouble breathing as she grieved over her pain – Officer Hannibal to the rescue.  He walked over and hugged this girl; she melted in his arms like no other.  The result: her tears stopped and she was comforted.  The girl’s mother was hurting too, tears uncontrollable – Officer Pipan to the rescue.  She walked over and put her arm around her & whispered, “…I’m so sorry for you!”  Her touch to the distraught lady also brought great comfort and love.

As I reflect on that touching moment (no pun intended), the physical touch of these two officers spoke volumes, almost screaming out loud with a broadcast that said, “Hey, we might be a cops; but we’re also humans that care for you; and, we are here for you, right now, to participate in your pain!”  This reminds me of a story some 2,000 years ago reported by a young follower of the Way named Mark.  He wrote of this woman who had a blood issue of twelve years, who sought every doctor in Israel, spent all her money – all to no avail.  She heard of this Jewish guy who was a Rabbi that had healing powers.  She thought, “If I just touch Him, I will be made whole.”  She risks everything and finds this Miracle Maker to simply touch His garment.  When she did, not only was she healed physically, I submit she was healed emotionally, mentally and spiritually.  In fact, the Carpenter said, “…I felt the healing powers flow from Me!”

You know, the Power of Touch is unlimited.  Doing a quick study this morning on touch I learned that babies thrive when touched, teenagers communicate better when touched, and, adults are happier when touch is normal place.  Very interesting, extremely intriguing and a great lesson for a guy who has proximity issues!

Well, this short note can’t suffice to communicate the importance of touch and I’d like to close with a short story about one of Morro Bay Citizen’s that recently passed away.  Our little fellowship partners with the MBPD often to feed those who are down-n-out, those who are in financial difficulties and those who simply need help; in fact, we do this regularly on Friday’s.  Rhonda was one of our dear residents that we as a church loved, and the MBPD treated with great honor and respect.  On Friday’s, our dear Rhonda would literally wait for a touch,  a bear hug from one of our hero’s named Jenny.  When we arrived at Rhonda’s home, Jenny – at 90 – would literally jump out of the car and run to give dear Rhonda a hug!  The picture below is the two of them, hugging just a week before Rhonda’s passing (Rhonda, we miss you & love you!).

In short, thank you Officer Pipan, Officer Hannibal and yes, thank you Rhonda and Jenny for your example that a hug here, a hug there, a touch of love can go a long way to communicate care, compassion and comfort!  Today, let’s all look for someone to touch and express our love for them…they probably need it!