words...

Sometimes we work too hard
to speak
the perfect
words...
when all that is needed
is an
ordinary
story.

Sometimes we work too hard
to say the
right thing
the right way
with
right intention...
and end up saying
nothing much at all.

Sometimes all that comes out
are words....
that might as well
stay sealed up in
golden,
crunchy
fortune cookies.
(in bed!)

Sometimes
words meant
for
compassion....
understanding...
encouragement...
are simply spoken
to
get our
own
selves
off the hook...
change the subject...
because
I really don't know what
to say.

Simple words...
"Be patient."
"Trials and hardship define a full life."
"All this will make you wiser, stronger."

We pat each other on the heads...
there,
there...
patronizing...
pablum.

It doesn't
have to be this way.

Speak to me your stories....
your fear....
your brokenness.

Speak with confidence.
Speak with boldness.
Share your ideas....
hope...
joy.

Speak to me these things...
and I will speak
the same.

Words....
We work too hard to say the right thing...
and many times
fail to say anything at all.

Lord give us
words to
speak our
story.