hidden away

Too often I don't speak up. I don't say the things that I want to, or feel need to be said. Don't get me wrong.... I do talk a lot. But is there meaning to the things I say? Do I encourage the people around me? Do I speak words of truth and love into their lives?

I was touched by this thought the other evening at the Zbirun's as we sat around drawing pictures that God put into our hearts and minds. So here's my picture.

Part 1: this guy is holding everything in. Not speaking out the words he needs to say, that he was meant to say. Look how fat and unhappy he is. When we hold things in and aren't open with each other, no one is getting the encouragement that they need.

Part 2: Now he has let it all come out. All those letters jumbled up inside have come out and made words and sentences that make sense and will touch others hearts.

This little picture reminded me of two things.

One was the fact that for the past week a friend has been texting me EVERY DAY to let me know that "I'm amazing". And every day I am surprised and honoured when I read it. Not only that... but it almost always comes as a duplicate, and today it came 5 times... even though it was only sent once. I guess God knew that I needed to hear it.

The second thing it reminded me of was a song from a new CD that I got this week, and the chorus goes like this:

All these words you were meant to say

Held in silence day after day

Words of kindness that our poor hearts crave

Please, don't keep them hidden away

Why, if I have good things to say, wouldn't I be brave enough to say them? Its tough sometimes though, I'm afraid that people will think I'm silly, or I'll be embarrassed. I let my pride get in the way. So I will try to remember to speak out those words of encouragement and truth, and not be scared. Are you willing to give it a shot?