Vibrant Words Uplift Us! …Hello weekend readers. Al and I are leaving our campground of 12 days and heading back to New Mexico. Each day gave us a gift. Black bears, birds, the beauty of howling wolves and abundant Elk. The wildflowers put on a show, the mountains, rivers, lakes and the people at the campground and other places we went to as we soaked in the uplifting words and laughter and new friends it was uplift indeed! So I’m musing on Vibrant words…enjoy!

In Psalm 86, David asks God to bend down, hear, answer, protect, save, be merciful, and bring him joy. Thinking about that made me realize that David’s prayer was answered for all of us in Jesus as well!

And the vibrant words and touch of Jesus such as: Jesus bending down to touch and heal. He listens to people’s needs. He removes the disabilities of the blind and lame. He protects the woman about to be stoned. He saves us all by His death on the cross. He shows mercy to Peter after his denial. And He brings all of humankind eternal hope with His resurrection. Listen to his uplifting words from 1 John 3:18 [Voice NLT] “My little children, don’t just talk about love as an idea or a theory. Make it your true way of life, and live in the pattern of gracious love.”

Another writer with uplifting words and words of deep wisdom was St. Francis of Assisi. He is renowned for founding the Franciscan orders, his commitment to a life of poverty, his love for nature and animals, and his dedication to serving the poor and underprivileged. He is also a patron saint of Italy—ecology, and animals! When Al and I hiked this week, St. Francis came to my mind in how he loved animals and the caring of our earth. Many of his quotes can lift you up on a dark day. And his quotes of wisdom-they are precious. As a chaplain, his quote “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words” is a reminder when I am teaching and sharing the good news of the Gospel.

As a writer, I love vibrant verbs—words that have a tangible way to uplift us, give us joy and what we need so much today—peace and knowing that despite the dark words, the dark days, Jesus’s love for all of us never ends.

Remember how Jesus stooped down to all kinds of people who needed to be “lifted up.” We have the ability to bring joy for those who need it. Jesus shows immense love for us with every grace-filled word that I can think of and I’m sure there are many words more than I can imagine! Our Savior is incredible because he moves in practical and tangible ways to guide, comfort, and forgive and that gift is for you and me and all people.

So, I have a challenge for us all today: Choose one simple, tangible way to reflect Jesus’s love today—it could be a kind word, a quiet service, an unexpected gift of encouragement, a simple hug or laughter around the dinner-table, or call a friend who is lonely or someone who is in the hospital or nursing home. You will lift them up and you’ll lift yourself up as well!

In closing, I am sharing one of my favorite “vibrant words” from Jesus in Matthew 22:37-40 [ERV] “Jesus said, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind’. This is the first and most important command. And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself. All of the law and the writings of the prophets take their meaning from these two commands.’” Now that’s definitely the words to give us to brighten our day! AMEN.