Grace Tip #3 - Watch Your Words

My first two Grace Tips have come from my dad's mom, Manaw. This third one is no exception. I told her over Mothers' Day weekend that I've been sharing her advice with y'all and she gave me another perfect quote. 

Grace Tip #3 - "There will always be plenty of opportunities to keep your mouth shut." 

Um, hello! This probably should've been rule #1 (but they're not really in any ranking order). As southern women, we can be protective, opinionated, judgmental, hot-headed, gossips - you name it. But a lady should always know when to keep her mouth closed. I'm not encouraging you to hold secrets from anyone, but to kindly watch your words. You know the old saying "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me"? Well, ladies, that's one of the biggest lies out there. Words do hurt, and can take years to get over. As a Christian, I am responsible for my actions, reactions, and especially my words. 

A few others quotes to keep in mind that my parents LOVED reminding my siblings & me are...

"Read the situation" (also "Read between the lines")

"Think before you speak"

I have a quote on my computer that I think I got from Pinterest years ago that says 

"Always be a little kinder than is necessary" - J.M. Barrie, The White Birdie.  Although I've never read this book,  I love this quote because I think it speaks to the heart of the southern women. Yes, our tempers can flare, or we get mama-bear protective, but we should be slow to anger just as Jesus was and abounding in love (Psalm 145:8). I was reminded of Proverbs 15:1 this week which says "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." 

To embody the grace of a southern lady I say we keep our mouths shut and try to be a little kinder than we feel like being. 

Choose Joy & Kindness!