August 14, 2014

how to tell

Five Minute Friday - 4Five-Minute-Friday: a chance to sit down and pen unfiltered, unedited with community about one word. Share your story, won't you?

I have been hanging out with these wonderful writers for a while, and it has been one of the most encouraging experiences of my life. So please, come sit with us awhile?

Just link up with Kate Motaung here and encourage the writer who posts before you--that is the best part!


Today's word: TELL

Sometimes I don't know how. 

How to let the words spill unfiltered--how to release the fear that dams my thoughts, my feelings, my self. I sat in a cold room and tried to express how much I love teaching, and the words came out all wrong.

I sit here wishing I could express my frustration with people I cherish. Speak my affection for people I love. 

But sometimes words just don't work quite right. This word is too long, too many hard sounds--that one is too short, not enough vowels. The emotions wear the words like an ill-fitting dress that bags where it shouldn't and squeezes everywhere else. 

Maybe we can't always tell our hearts with words. Maybe we were given eyes and hands and tears and laughter by the One who weeps and laughs with us because they can speak where the words don't fit. Perhaps there are pauses and spaces in conversation on purpose, to make room for all that words cannot do. 

I adore words, but I cannot help but admit their humility. Is not silence more eloquent for the contrast of wonderful words? We were given both. We need both. 

There are so many ways to tell people about the Love that casts out fear. Let Him show us. 

"When God will not use thee in one kind, yet He will in another. A soul that desires to serve and honour Him shall never want opportunity to do it; nor must thou so limit the Holy One of Israel as to think He hath but one way in which He can glorify Himself by thee. He can do it by thy silence as well as by thy preaching; thy laying aside as well as thy continuance in thy work." Mr. Oldfield's Soliloquy, North and South, Elizabeth Gaskell


14 comments:

  1. Perhaps there are pauses and spaces in conversation on purpose, to make room for all that words cannot do. I adore words, but I cannot help but admit their humility

    Such goodness here. And so much to shout "Amen" to. Thanks for sharing your words tonight,
    your FMF neighbor

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. glad for your stopping by and being encouraged. And touched by your words. Thank you.

      Delete
  2. Dear Scribbler ... your words soar. I am grateful to have visited you again this evening.

    Please keep your pen in hand ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am grateful you came by, too. Your words--yes, your simple, heart-ful words--mean so much here.

      Delete
  3. I have found that the older I become, the easier it is to weigh my words and wait in between the silences. I love the idea of letting our actions speak more and our mouths speak less!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yes! A challenge to myself--to weigh words, as you say. and wait. How He teaches us patience. Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  4. Beautiful and the image that with words comes humility as well as the power in silence was deeply moving. Blessed to be visiting you! Happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you for coming :) And a happy weekend to you, too!

      Delete
  5. I know! I difficult it is to be not understood even after you think you have said it all. Words, actions, gestures, emotions, pauses, they have to go hand in hand. They make no sense individually.

    Love how beautifully you have given words to your thoughts. You TOLD it well!

    -Tanya
    http://tanyaanurag.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hand in hand--I like that. I mean, I know it is a common phrase, but thinking of gestures holding words, mmm, great image. Thank you for leaving beautiful encouragement here :)

      Delete
  6. Lovely words and so true, we need words and silence. In silence can we connect with Him and our souls and with words we can spread His word and message. Thank you for dropping by my post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 'twas a pleasure to stop by. Thanks for returning the favor!

      Delete