“Quote from First Lady….In every community, we are lifted by simple acts of kindness that reflect the enduring American spirit of generosity, patriotism, and gratitude.”

“The tongue has the power of life and death…” — Proverbs 18:21

We all know words matter, yet we often forget just how much power our words carry. With a single sentence, we can lift someone up—or crush their spirit. God reminds us in Scripture that our tongues are not small things. They are instruments that can be used for healing, hope, and blessing.

Recently, I experienced this truth in a beautiful and unexpected way.

A Night I Needed Encouragement

A friend invited me to dinner on a night when my heart felt heavy. I was overwhelmed and craving Godly encouragement—just a reminder that the Lord sees me, knows me, and cares.

As we settled into conversation, God was already using her words to strengthen my spirit. But little did I know that the real lesson of the evening wasn’t just for me. It was for someone else too.

Nine Words That Changed a Night

When our waitress came to take our beverage order, my friend looked at her and said with genuine warmth:

“Your hair is so pretty, and you are beautiful.”

Nine simple words.

The transformation was immediate and unmistakable.
Her eyes lit up.
A smile spread across her face.
You could almost feel the jolt—like her heart had just been seen.

In that moment, a young woman working her evening shift—perhaps far from home, perhaps unnoticed all day—felt a spark of encouragement. A spark that may have carried her through her night… or even her week.

That is the power of the tongue.
That is the power of intentional kindness.
That is the power of seeing someone the way Jesus sees them.

A Generous Tip and an Invitation

When the meal was finished, my friend tipped 40%—not to impress, but to bless. And with the tip, she left a postcard invitation to our Christmas Eve service.

Nothing pushy. Nothing forced.
Just simple love… and a reminder that Jesus sees her, too.

I watched my friend live out the heart of the Gospel right there in a restaurant booth—speaking life, giving generously, and planting a seed of hope.

Why Words Matter

Scripture tells us:

• “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” — Proverbs 16:24
  
  
• “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up…” — Ephesians 4:29
  
  
• “The tongue of the wise brings healing.” — Proverbs 12:18
  
  

Every day brings moments—small, ordinary moments—where God gives us an opportunity to speak life into someone else.

A compliment.
A kind observation.
A word of gratitude.
A prayer whispered over a tired heart.

It doesn’t take much. Sometimes it only takes nine words.

‍

A Simple Challenge

This week, look for someone who needs encouragement—a family member, a cashier, a coworker, a neighbor, a child, or a friend. Ask the Lord to give you just one uplifting sentence to share.

Because you never know…

Your words might become the miracle someone has been praying for.