We’ve all been there. Rather it be a text, work document, school assignment, or some other form of written text, we’ve all found ourselves using the delete button at one time or another. As a Documentation Specialist by occupation, I will be the first to admit I find myself using this probably more often than I should. Why? It gives us that chance to start over, to explain something better, correct spelling or grammar, or perhaps leave something now seemingly unnecessary out altogether. Whatever our reason, there’s no doubt we’ve been here many times before. But have you ever wished there was a “delete” button on the words you spoke? Maybe it’s something said out of context, something hurtful, wrong, or just poorly timed. The fact is as humans we’ve all been there. I find myself at times almost trying to catch the words as they’ve just left my mouth, only to realize the damage has been done. I recall a time recently when standing in line talking to some friend, during the course of the conversation I made a joke, and immediately knew it was a big mistake. It wasn’t that there was anything wrong with the joke itself necessarily, and at most times it would have been funny. However, I immediately realized this was not the time, place, or person for that to be funny, but instead could have caused a lot of harm and damage. I stood there wondering “Why did I just say that”, yet only managing a passing apology hoping it would go away. I went on about my business for a couple of days hoping there was nothing to this, but yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had messed up big time and had to do whatever it took to make it right. Ultimately I found myself going back to this person and apologizing for my comments sincerely hoping I hadn’t damaged a friendship. Fortunately for me I have some pretty great friends and my apology was accepted. However, it got me thinking about how differently that moment could have turned out and how much power is in just a few words. Proverbs 12:18 says “Thoughtless speech is like the stabs of a sword,”. Proverbs 18:21 says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue:” When I think about this it puts it in a completely different light. That comment that is made in anger, that joke that you know shouldn’t be said, that gossip you know shouldn’t be spread suddenly becomes more than just a few words we didn't even realize were heard. We must be careful, there is no “delete” button for our words. Once they are spoken, often there is damage done that may never be seen, wounds that cut deeper than we’ll ever know, and things spoken into place that we’ll no doubt wish there was just something we could do to make things go back to the way they were. We must be careful, there is no “delete” button. The only thing to do in these instances is ask for forgiveness, and pray that the God who spoke the world into existence can speak the the healing to the hearts of the hurting. But that’s now where this ends, we don’t have to be defeated! The tongue also holds the power of life! An encouraging word, an “I’m praying for you”, a simple “how was your day” can bring a smile, strengthen a relationship, and build up what cannot be destroyed. Just over a year ago this really sunk into my heart like never before. Anyone who know me know one of the greatest joys in my life is being uncle to 3 beautiful nieces and soon to be an amazing nephew. It’s never been lost on me that these girls pay attention to uncle Lee, but one particular night I began to realize what that could really mean. Just over a year ago on a Wednesday night our Sanctuary was being remodeled, so we had service that night in our fellowship hall. Realizing I wasn’t going to play music that night, my nieces very anxiously asked to sit with me, and of course I was happy to let them. The service went on like any other service and then came the altar call. My brother-in-law took the oldest with him but the younger girl who was 3 years old at the time wanted to stay with me. As I went to the altar I picked her up and carried her with me and began to pray. All of the sudden I feel her head pressed against my face. I looked down to see what on earth this little 3 year old was doing ticking her head in my face, and was suddenly challenged to my core. My little niece had her ear pressed to my mouth trying to hear uncle Lee pray. That stirred my heart like you would not believe. Knowing what I say right now could have an effect on this child for the rest of her life. I truly count it a blessing. Knowing there are things that can be spoken, prayers that can be prayed that this girl will never be able to forget. No doubt there are people that we come in contact with on a daily basis who’s world can change just by the few words we say. Those things that we speak, the encouragement, the appreciation, the love, the friendship, are also things that have no “delete” button. Sometimes we may now see the lasting affect these words have, but they are often felt, and held dear by those around us. So I challenge you today, let your words speak life, encouragement, joy, peace, and love. Because once they leave your lips you can’t bring them back and there is no “delete” button.