Blessing and Cursing

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
   but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.  (Proverbs 10:11)

If you have lived in the South for any length of time, then you may have noticed a few colloquialisms that should never be taken at face value. We ‘carry on’ about what we’re ‘fixin-to’ do. But my very favorite Southern expression is “Well, bless his/her heart.” This particular ‘blessing’ is commonly used in judging others. Sometimes, however, it is used to refer to a sick child or suffering individual. You definitely need some context to know exactly what is meant by the expression. It can be a blessing or a curse.

Now when we think of a blessing, what usually comes to mind is a prayer before a meal or the actions of a kind neighbor. We think of cursing as being nothing more than foul language. But there is more to it. We bless and curse people every single day. It begins with our thoughts, finds expression in our words and plays out in our actions. I have had the honor of knowing a few people who found the good in everybody. And I’ve had the misfortune of knowing a couple of folks who could find good in no one. The rest of us fall somewhere in between these extremes.

Our blessings and curses not only affect the world around us, they shape our very souls.  May you take every thought to Christ and find the peace necessary to be a blessing to all.

See you Sunday!
Missy