My jaw was still numb as I approached the receptionist desk at the dentist. She handed me the card. “Here’s your next appointment date.”

“Thank you,” I said. Then I leaned toward her and whispered, “And stay as sweet as you are.”

She didn’t answer. But after a few seconds, she cleared her throat, “That’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me lately.” Her voice quivered.
I gave her a huge smile. But on the way home, her response rode in the car with me. What prompted me to say that to her? How often had I encountered folks who might also need a kind word, an encouraging comment or a genuine smile?

But the busyness of life, the tugging of the next chore, the issues at hand, usually erase any desire to encourage those we meet, those we know and…those we love.

We all hear words of discouragement on the news, at work, in the street, on the radio, on TV, on social media. But we have the power to change that.

We can make a difference choosing to encourage others. To share kind words, to impart positive comments and give a verbal hug.

Here are three truths about the power of our words:

1. “Worry is a heavy burden, but a kind word always brings cheer..” (Proverbs 12:25)
2. “Kind words are like honey– they cheer you up and make you feel strong.” (Proverbs 16:24)
3. “The right word at the right time is like precious gold set in silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)

Our words can lift the soul, bring a smile and touch the heart.