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Careless Words
By admin | January 30, 2010
Matthew 12:36 “I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter…”
 Years ago, I used to love to tease my children on the telephone. There was a lady in my former church. Her name was Marie Woodall. Mrs. Woodall had a very distinctive voice that I could imitate. I would call my house and get one of my children on the phone. I said, in an elderly ladies voice, “This is Marie Woodall. I want to speak to your father, Reverend Hale…You know I own Woodall Funeral Home and Crematory. Our motto is “You kill ‘em, we chill ‘em; you stab ‘em, we slab ‘em. I need your father to come do a funeral for me. I’ll pay him $5.00. The service is at the home and then it’s graveside. This man who died was an inmate at Atmore prison and most of his friends won’t be able to attend. Please ask your Daddy to call Marie Woodall.”Well, my girls will tell you I did many variations of the Marie Woodall impersonations and it became a part of our family lore. Unfortunately, one day, the real Marie Woodall called our house and got Anna Camille and said, “Honey, this is Marie Woodall. I’d like to talk to your Mommy or Daddy.” Anna Camille said, “Stop, Daddy. I don’t feel like you teasing me now.” Marie Woodall said, “Please, I’d like to speak to Reverend Hale.” Anna Camille said, “I guess you’re going to tell me now you own a funeral home that’s called Woodall Funeral Home and your motto is…” Mrs. Woodall said, “Anna Camille, would you please let me speak to your father.” And Anna Camille said, “Daddy, stop it! You really do sound like an old lady now.” Mrs. Woodall said, “I’ll just call your father tomorrow at the church.” That night Anna Camille told me about the phone call and how my impersonation voice had gotten much better. She said, “You sounded just like an elderly lady and you never let on that it was really you.” I said, “That’s because it wasn’t me.” Mrs. Woodall called and invited Averette and me to eat with her at her home. When we got there, we had a delightful meal and a wonderful conversation. She turned to us at one point and said, “I’m so sorry your younger daughter is not quite right in the head.” Under the table, Averette kicked my shin as hard as she could, smiled, and said, “Would you think me rude if I asked for another small piece of that delicious pecan pie?” My wife, lovingly, pointed out that there might be a price to teasing. She said, “Perhaps it would be better not to do that again.” My daddy always taught me never to miss a good opportunity to shut up. So, I just smiled and drove home. Teasing has a price tag. Sometimes teasing is not funny, but hurtful. I think it is better to always speak and remember that our words are accountable at the Judgment Day. Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to be supportive in the words that we say and always mindful that we are judged by the words that we speak. Amen. |
Topics: The "Enough" Series |
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