These people are funny at the right times.

They speak their minds in dramatic and eloquent fashions.

Every conversation is meaningful. ⁣

Misunderstandings only happen if they have a purpose, and they always get joyfully resolved in the end.

But real-life, without a team of paid writers scripting our every word, is messy!

We have complex emotions.

We are awkward.

We think of great “comebacks” in the shower two days later.

We say things that sound good to us but make no sense to others.

We offend people when we don’t mean to.

James points out that only a perfect person would be able to actually control their tongue to the point that no one would ever take offense. ⁣

“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” (James 3:5)

Our imperfect language can have big effects.

So how am I trying to use my awkward and unrefined words?

Am I lifting my family members and loved ones?

Am I criticizing and nagging?

Those are the decisions I can control.

“Our words, like our deeds, should be filled with faith and hope and charity, … so desperately needed in the world today.” -Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

I want to actively choose as much good as I possibly can.

My words can make a huge difference in the lives of the people I love.

So I want the scale to be fully tipped towards positive and uplifting words as much as I can.

I may not have a script writer, but I can partner with God to create and author as much goodness as I am able.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post This isn’t a TV show! first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

I’ve said silent prayers like this many times.

When a friend brings up a difficult gospel topic, when I’m comforting someone in need, or when I’m teaching a Sunday School lesson…

I’ve sent that super prayer upward, pleading for words to come to my mind that would help me to navigate the situation.

The words don’t always appear instantly.

In fact I’ve noticed that sometimes I have to stumble through a lot of wrong words before I start to find my pathway forward with words that fit better.

But when I have a good, Christlike need for communicating, I have found that the support comes in one way or another.

The Savior mentioned that this is actually part of the covenant that He makes with those who turn away from sin.

“My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed”. (Isaiah 59:21)

When we covenant to take Jesus’ name upon us and always remember Him, He in turn promises that we can always have His Spirit to be with us.

And when we have the Spirit with us, we can be blessed to know what words to say at the right time.

Not a witty remark or a good comeback or anything else that might be self-serving.

But when we are in the position to bring people closer to the Savior or to strengthen our own testimony, the words associated with the gospel of Jesus Christ can be found within our mouths.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Righteous words first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.