The Wounded Spirit - part 4

As we continue with this study of the wounded spirit, let me share two relatable examples from my own life.

My younger brother got polio when he was just a small toddler. Because of this he had to wear a leg brace and use crutches during his grade school years. The children in school would call him “Captain Peg Leg.”  That cruel name not only wounded him emotionally, but it also really bothered me as his older sister and brought hurt to my heart as well.

I still vividly remember when he joined the basketball team at a later age. They would let him play in the games once in a while. There he was running with a crippled leg, trying to bounce the ball and shoot a basket. It was extremely hard work for him as he tried to participate. It was also extremely painful for me to watch, yet I admired his courage and his willingness to try to overcome his physical disabilities.

After I married and had children, we went through a time when my daughter was a victim of gossip during her high school years. Unfortunately, much of it was created by other mothers of girls her age. Little did I realize what agony my daughter faced during those years as evil rumors were brought back to her ears. She eventually learned to counter these accusations, but it took a long time to overcome the pain and damage those words had caused.

Rejection often takes root and we learn to build walls around our feelings so that no one else can get near our heart and hurt us. There’s no doubt about it, cruel gossip and slander cut deep.

No wonder the Bible tells us to guard our mouth and to tame our tongue. Jesus even said that we will be accountable for the words we speak. God help us all not to wound one another with our words! Over the years I have experienced many opportunities to become hurt. Just “life in general” will create occasion to become wounded.

Negative words can wound us, like saying we are not good enough or that we are incapable of success. Parents must be careful to affirm their children and not throw negative words at them wounding their spirits and damaging their lives. Just calling a child a “stupid idiot” can wound that child for life.

I have been in grocery stores and shopping malls when I’ve heard mothers and fathers say things to their children that make me cringe. Immediately I want to protect that child and help the youngster process what he or she just experienced. Cruel words will “label” the receiver of those words. “You are a brat!”  “What a dummy!”  “Here comes Miss Ugly!”  Labels like these can wound for life unless there is prayer for healing.

What has been your experience with cruel words?  Have you spoken cruel words over others?  Have you experienced cruel words spoken over you?

Mothers of Nations, today is the day of both forgiveness and healing.  Ask the Lord to forgive you now for any and all cruel words you have spoken.  As you receive His forgiveness, also receive His healing touch if cruel words have wounded and lodged themselves in your own heart. 

Dr. Sharon Predovich