“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body.”
~ Proverbs 16:24 Amplified Bible
Have you ever truly considered how your words effect people? As children growing up there was the phrase “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” We would chant that to ease the pain of the words said to us. In so many lives the words said to us not only hurt, but linger in our minds forever. Talking with many of our guests at Open Door Mission, I have seen the effect of hurtful words on their sense of self-worth and lives in general.
People come to us in hurting and hopeless, seeking a better life. One of the most important things we do, besides presenting the gospel, is focusing on their strengths. Throughout their childhood and even adulthood words have been used to put them down, to control them and generally denigrate. Open Door Mission tells and shows the word of Jesus…joy, forgiveness, grace, mercy and love. These words are soothing to their souls and offer hope in a world they have been fighting for years. Showing them what love really is can change their life…forever. Sweet words of redemption bring hope, soothe broken minds and souls and breaks the cycle of pain and hurt. As one guest said, “I can’t believe I would find so much love here.” Come share your sweet words of encouragement and hope…volunteer at Open Door Mission.