It was a beautiful, sunny Monday morning – the kind of day that seemed to dare any sadness to enter into its space. But sadness crept in anyway and blanketed a church on a hill as one family came to put to rest one of their own.
I was there that Monday morning as a teacher – the one person who this 3rd grade boy saw each day when he entered the school building and spent the day with. I also came as a mom bearing all the love a momma feels for her children because this child had lost his mom in a tragic house fire right as the school year ended.
It had been well over a month – several months, in fact, since I had seen him and my first goal was to find him and make sure he was okay. The minutes crawled by as I gathered in the parking lot with a few others from my school. Then across the parking lot he caught my eye, walked over and fell into my embrace. Time stood still and no words were needed as the love poured out through arms wrapped around two bodies.
He turned to me and said “How did you find out? I didn’t think you knew.” I’m thinking “never underestimate the caring of a school community”. Words spilled out of my mouth-words of comfort, love, caring and concern – words like: “I am so sorry, I missed you, I’m praying for you, and I love you.” Words that he needed to hear – words that were not part of his everyday life – words that I hoped would leave a mark on his heart.
I am sharing this story today to illustrate the power of words. We all crave words – words of encouragement, words of love, words of comfort and words that leave a footprint on our hearts because of all that was poured into the saying of them. Words have power – the power to heal, the power to comfort, the power to lift up and sometimes the power to take down. Every word matters – no matter how small or how fancy! Words are the key to entering the hearts of those we come in contact with each day or once in a lifetime. Words matter!
This particulate Monday, my words, I hope made a difference in the life of one boy. The words were few but every one spoke of the love I felt and the comfort I wanted so desperately to give to a boy who lost his mother.
Words filled with love enter the gates of our hearts and become a lasting footprint when the words are received in a spirit of love.
Sharing words with others is what teachers do – what mothers do – and what writers do! We hold a lot of responsibility with our words. The written word impacts just as strongly as the spoken word. Words matter!
I am sending my student some written words along with a picture my friend took of the two of us. Words that I hope will remind him that he is loved; he is amazing; and he is worthy of the love of a God who loves so big! Words that he will be able to hold onto on those days that he feels alone, afraid and unloved.
My hope is that each time I write a message here in my humble little home called Passage Through Grace, that my words are grace-filled, encouraging and uplifting to those who stop by to read for that day. I know that words matter and each one is prayed over, crafted, and re-worded dozens of times to become the key to one person’s heart. I pray my words leave a footprint that is received in the spirit of love that I poured into it when I displayed it on this little page and hit publish.
Thank you for so lovingly entering my home and staying for a bit. I pray you left encouraged and the words entered the gates of your heart and decided to stay for awhile.
Many blessings to all and may we work together to make our words matter!
This touched me so much, Mary. You are a bright shining beacon of love and hope. ❤️
I’m so glad you are part of my life. 🙂
I love the significance and power of words. So glad that these words made a footprint on your heart. Blessed you stopped by for awhile!
Loved this post and glad to connect.
Thanks Angie! I’ve been to your place several times and I just want to tell you how brave and strong you are. Blessings my friend!
So sweet… spoken or written, words hold such power.
Thanks Kaitlyn! You realize that your words have touched me! I’m hoping we meet someday because I would love to just hug you and let you know you are amazing! Blessed you stopped by!
Beautiful words from you inspired by The Word. God bless you!
Thanks, Karen! Blessings to you!
What a lovely post…our words DO matter. More often than we think. Thank you for sharing and reminding!
Blessed you stopped by today, Mary! Sharing words and encouraging others is an honor for me. Have a wonderful week!
I tried to leave a comment on your blog but I’m not sure if it went through. I certainly feel all the feelings you described.
This is so beautiful, Mary! Words matter… spoken or written – they impact a life and heal a heart and oh my goodness how a divinely timed hug can speak loudly to our hearts as well!
Amen! Thank you for your kind words! My students touch me to my very core and the lessons they have taught me about words have been numerous. Blessed you stopped by, friend!
Words matter . . . they have the power to build up or tear down. May our words be used to build up ALWAYS. And the more we seek Him I believe this becomes more and more possible. Thank you for how the words you share here always encourage . . . always bless. Grateful for you.
Blessings.
xoxo
Love seeing your sweet face today! I am grateful for your encouragement and kind words that leave a footprint on my heart. Love you!
Earlier this year, I had a similar experience. I had a student who had been kicked out of multiple foster situations due to his violent behaviors after he had already been removed from an abusive home situation. This little boy had several psychiatric diagnosis’ and many people in his life had failed him miserably. One day, after one of his violent episodes, he was removed from the classroom and sent home. When he came back to the classroom to get his belongings before leaving, I reminded him that I loved him and I would miss him and I couldn’t wait until he came back the next day. His response was that he knew I didn’t love him, because no one loved him after he behaved that way. I assured him that although I may not like his behavior, NOTHING would stop me from always loving him. I gave him a hug and he left for the day. About a month later, my principal stopped me to talk to me about this student. He reported this student usually walked into school with a scowl on his face and was very disagreeable and confrontational. He said for several weeks this student had been coming in with a smile on his face and couldn’t wait to get to his classroom. After a little bit of questioning, this wonderful six-year-old boy revealed that “Even when I do bad things, Mrs. Overberg will always love me–no matter what.” That small reassurance, which should have been his God-given right from all the adults in his life, was all he needed to feel safe and secure and ready to learn. Yes, Mary…Words ARE very powerful indeed! Thank you for the reminder as we get ever-closer to the next school year!
Oh Lynne – this was such a beautiful story. This little boy heard special words from you that will forever be a footprint on his heart. He is blessed to call you teacher. So glad you stopped by and shared these beautiful words with me. Love you!
I was so blessed to witness the long hug between you and this boy which spoke a thousand words. He will remember your words, the hug, but mostly your heart you gave to him every day he was with you.
Yes you were with me- both of us hugging and loving on two children who so desperately needed it. I love that you walk through these difficult times with me. Love you friend!
oh my, yes, Mary. we are cravers of words. maybe that’s why we do this blogging thing. why we create an online community. why we visit back and forth.
we are cravers of companionship, of conversation, of intimacy, of affirmation, of encouragement.
and even after all the blogging has come and gone, these deepest needs will always be found in Christ.
that gives me such peace today.
i’m glad I visited here. as always …
Thank you for the reminder that our deepest desires and needs will be fulfilled by Christ. I am a craver of words and it seems many times when I write, who I am, is shining through the words. Now you know everything!!!! Love how you summed up that all we need is Jesus! Hugs my friend!
What a beautiful post, Mary! Your words surely comforted that young boy at such a difficult time. You encourage us all to be brave with our words.
Your sweet encouragement is what keeps me coming back for more on my blog. Who would have thought our words could have so much power? Thank you for walking with me on this journey of being brave with our words. Love you!
My heart aches for this little one. But praise God he has people like you to walk with him through the difficult times.
We should never doubt the absolute power of words!
My heart aches too but I know that our prayers will help him as he learns a new normal. Every word we speak or write is such a gift to those who hear or read it. I try to remind myself of that everyday. Thanks for stopping by friend!