The Dr. Seuss Quote for Today - Be Who You Are and Say What You Feel . . .

The Dr. Seuss Quote for today is, "Be who you are and say what you feel. Because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind!"  There are things which are true about this saying, but there are also things which are not true. First the things which are true . . . if someone really loves you, they will love you no matter what you say because of who you are . . . a person who they love! Now for the things which are not true . . . you might,on  occasion, say things which people who matter to you get upset about. This can be a painful thing to have happen, but it can, and does happen from time to time.

Now for a few things to keep in mind. First, you should say what you mean. Being honest is something which has to be a high priority for each of us. However; this doesn't mean you can't be thoughtful and considerate about what you say and how you say it. Colossians 4:6 says, "Your speech should always be gracious and sprinkled with insight so that you may know how to respond to every person." We do need to always use gracious and insightful words. 

Ephesians 4:1-3, 25, 26,29-32 tells us, "Therefore, as a prisoner for the Lord, I encourage you to live as people worthy of the call you received from God. Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other with love, and make an effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties you together. Each of you must tell the truth to your neighbor because we are parts of each other in the same body. Be angry without sinning. Don’t let the sun set on your anger. Don’t let any foul words come out of your mouth. Only say what is helpful when it is needed for building up the community so that it benefits those who hear what you say. Don’t make the Holy Spirit of God unhappy—you were sealed by him for the day of redemption. Put aside all bitterness, losing your temper, anger, shouting, and slander, along with every other evil. Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ." Be sure to tell the truth, always, but do so with gentleness, patience, love in a kind and compassionate way . . . always remembering to forgive! In this day and age, people tend to think it is okay to say whatever they want, however they want to say it and if you are someone who "matters", then it won't "matter" to you how/what they say. While we need to love others regardless of what they say and how they say it, we do need to show grace and love with the words we use!

Be sure to point this out to your grandchildren, too! Help them understand they need to choose their words, and the way they say those words, with Colossians and Ephesians in mind! Give them wide rubber bands and permanent ink pens so they can write "Salt and Grace" on their bands. Ask them to wear them to remind themselves to use words seasoned with grace! Be sure to take a moment to pray for each grandchild by name - "Thank You God for loving _____ ! Please help him/her remember to use words which are full of grace and which are kind, loving and gentle! Thank You, Amen!"