An Encouraging Word Calms The Soul

An Encouraging Word Calms The Soul

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29

Though I was at the opposite end of the hall, I could hear the cursing as if it were right next door to me. When I walked down to the room, I found a man in an orange jumpsuit handcuffed to the bed and screaming obscenities at the top of his lungs. It was a frightening scene, and I could only imagine what those in the waiting room were thinking. Fortunately, the EMTs and police officers were already in the room, trying to subdue the man and his mouth.

Once I got close to the bed, I could see the man’s wild eyes darting about, looking for a way to escape or cause havoc. A closer look revealed that he’d been in a knife fight. He had several cuts and wounds that needed attention, but his volatile behavior and the potential for more violence was scaring away the people who could help.

As one of the officers was warning me, I suddenly realized that I recognized the prisoner. “Greg? It’s Dr. Anderson. I’m here to help you.”

Greg turned toward me, ready to shout some more expletives in my direction, but when his eyes met mine, he seemed confused.

“I know your mom and your grandma,” I said. “Should I call them to come help?”

As soon as he recognized me, Greg became still and silent. When he spoke, it was now in a normal voice and no longer profane or vulgar. “You don’t have to do that,” he said.

I approached him and started examining his wounds.

“How’s your family doing?” I asked.

“They’re all right.”

“How’d you get yourself in this predicament?”

As he relayed some of the bad decisions that had led to his injuries and arrest, Greg became remorseful, which made him much more approachable, and with help from my staff, I was able to finish patching him up.

When I was done, he waited calmly for the officer to once again handcuff him.

“My life ain’t been easy,” he said before he left. “I’m appreciative of all you’ve done and for not judging me.”

TODAY’S RX

Everyone deserves a kind word. Today, pass along some encouragement to somebody who needs it most.

Father, help me to remember that those who hurt others with words and actions have often been deeply hurt themselves. Show me how to be a light to these people, offering them kindness, grace, and mercy.