The 'S' Word

As a child the ‘S’ word (shut-up) was never allowed. If you said the ‘S’ word you got your mouth washed out with soap. I think once was enough for me, but I’m pretty sure with ‘Trey’ it took several washing to get that word and others, washed out of his mouth.

I remember a time when there was a huge crisis in my life. My children were 2, 5, & 6, that in and of itself is crisis enough. Funny thing, now after 20 years I can’t seem to remember exactly what that crisis was. But it was something that brought me to the Father’s throne many times in a few short days. After much prayer and no answer from God I called to visit with my Mother, a woman full of Godly wisdom. I told her of my problems, my sleepless nights and my many prayers to God. She listened intently to my words and then replied, “Have you shut-up (yes, she used the ‘S’ word for the 1st time in my life) long enough to hear what God has to say to you?” I sat stunned, almost missing the point to her words because ‘my Mother has said the ‘S’ word.’ “Monalea,” she said so gently; “Have you read God’s Word and listened to what He has to say to you?” This time I heard her and I replied, “No Mom, I haven’t opened my Bible in a long time.” “Maybe that is your problem,” she said. “You have been doing all the talking and haven’t closed your mouth long enough to hear what He has to say.” I remember hanging up the phone and reaching for the Bible.

As hard as I try, I just can’t seem to remember any details of that crisis, nor the way God answered my prayers, but I will always remember how I shut my mouth and God did answered my prayer.

Just a thought . . . . . “When is the last time you listened to God?”