A word, a destiny

"Life and death are in the power of language." Proverb 18.21

Pastor Philippe Marcadier left to join the Lord after 92 years on this earth. Its impact in the southwestern region of France and beyond is significant. He was a man of another kind, a model, a loving father, a caring husband, and a powerful preacher of the gospel.

"Our words leave footprints around us."

At the funeral of Philippe, I was shocked by the testimony given to him by his son. When he was a young adult, he sometimes went home with alcohol and had trouble putting the key in the lock. His dad would open it for him, then help him find the way to the bedroom. There he took care of him : undressed him, washed him, and slept him. Then, before leaving, Philippe took his son in his arms and said simply : "I love you". Then his son cried, upset by so much love.

Philippe could have told him the moral and explained to him the harm he was doing to his ministry. Or argue endlessly about the harmful effects of alcohol for health. But he just said : "I love you." The son gave his life to Jesus.

Our words are fruitful, they trigger destinies. Some words chained, made guilty, hurt ... but others produce life, emancipation, healing. Our words leave impressions around us. "Treat an individual as he is, he will remain what he is, treat him as he should and can become, he will become what he should and can be." (Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe)

A prayer for today

Lord, I want to think about the words that come out of my mouth. May they honor you and bless those who receive them, amen.

Patrice Martorano

Source (The Thought of the Day)