We learn a lot from our parents, don’t we?
My mom had so many sayings, straight from her Southern roots.
I can still hear her say:
- You’re walking in tall cotton
- How the cow ate the cabbage
- The proof of the pudding
- Come to Jesus meeting
One of her favorite sayings was “if you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all.”
This one is my favorite because it reminds me of one of my favorite scriptures in the Bible.
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
“ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
I was part of a Bible Study in the 1980’s written by Florence Littauer. It was based on this verse and a book she wrote called, Silver Boxes. This study made a real impact on me as a young mom of 3 kiddos under the age of 7.
Ms. Littauer’s translation of Ephesians 4:29 was that our words should be gifts to each other, like silver boxes with bows on top.
I took that to heart and went home to Bill, Kristin and John (who always do better with a visual lesson) and started wrapping small boxes with silver paper & bows on top.
The timing was perfect because Christmas was just around the corner. I put them all around the house in plain sight! After the holidays, I decided not to put the boxes away. I figured we could all use that visual reminder all year long!
Well, the box in the picture is the only one that has survived 31 moves! It’s a bit dented and torn, but I’ll cherish it always as a wonderful reminder that our words should be gifts to each other.
Something my mom would definitely LOVE!
Amen!
P.S. If you’re interested in purchasing Ms. Littauer’s book, Silver Boxes, click HERE.
xoxo connie
