Words Make a Difference

“The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.” Proverbs 10:21 ESV

In a story titled, “Grandma’s Marathon runners feel love and support from spectators” published by WDIO News yesterday it was reported that over 20,000 runners signed up for Grandma’s Marathon this past weekend and were thankful for the volunteers and those cheering them on, saying that it absolutely helped them mentally. Stacey and Kevin Lund, a husband and wife duo, have been running in Grandma’s marathon for four years. However, they said it takes months of training to prepare for the marathon, and expressed their gratitude towards volunteers. “It’s really one of the biggest things and I get choked up a little bit because just the volunteers that come out to help us runners, it’s priceless.” Kevin Lund said. “It’s amazing the volunteers and the people that come out for this event.” Stacey Lund also said. “And just the community that comes in just to hold goofy signs and cheer us on and ring the call bells. It really makes a difference and it keeps you going.”

And you know, when it comes to something that “keeps you going,” whether in life or in racing, one thing is certain… words of encouragement make a difference. Which means the people that speak them are of immeasurable value. In fact, the Bible tell us that “the lips of the righteous feed many.” Think about it this way. In the same way that physical food supplies the runner with what he or she needs to keep their body moving, uplifting words that come from the lips of volunteers provide what a runner needs to keep the mind and spirit moving—something that is crucial for their success in making it to the finish line. 

So knowing that food is necessary to sustain physical life, but words sourced in God are necessary to impart and sustain spiritual life, let us look for opportunities to “feed many” my friend. Volunteer when you can but pray for opportunities to spread cheer everywhere you go each and every day. You could very well make all the difference in whether a person gives up or keeps going. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our actions and words have power. Cause us to look for ways to encourage and uplift others Lord, even complete strangers, that they might be strengthened physically and spiritually for the journey in front of them. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.  

Happy Running!