This isn’t a TV show!

Have you ever noticed that characters in TV shows are always perfectly “themselves”?

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