Years ago I attended a seminar called Cleansing Streams. There were a series of videos and homework assignments and it was capped off by a weekend retreat. While there have been aspects I disagreed with theologically, I found the experience to be more positive than negative.

One of the pre-retreat messages was about words. Now I will say upfront that I disagree with the way that the message was presented. I don't think saying, "I hope I never get fat" will make someone have an eating disorder. However, I do believe that the principle that Jesus taught in Luke 6:45 holds true. Our words are a pretty direct line to our heart.

Another passage that was a cornerstone of the teaching was Proverbs 18:21. From the NLT: "The tongue can bring life or death; those who love to talk will reap the consequences."

Obviously as one who blogs (sometimes more frequently and sometimes less), I love to talk. I was one who always got in trouble for talking during class, and my favorite jobs have always been those where I can sit and talk with folks about just about anything. And I have been uncareful with my words. I've said things that have stung, both intentionally and unintentionally. I've used tones that have cut and have said things that I wish I could take back.

Yesterday a doctor that performed late-term abortions was killed in his church. I have always been pro-life, and will continue to be so. However, I have also seen a woman faced with terminating a pregnancy that was very much desired. When I worked as a waitress in Sarver before Jason and I were married, one of the other waitresses was pregnant. She was thrilled about having a little girl (she had two sons). She went in for her 20 week ultra-sound and when they were there, they discovered that her baby had only a brain stem. I will never forget the pain in V's voice as she shared with us this tragedy and letting us know that she would be scheduling an induction in the near future. This is my experience with a late-term abortion.

Would I make the same choice? I honestly don't know, and I am greatful every day that God spared me the need to make that decision. What I do know is that words like murderer or baby-killer or Nazi aren't life-affirming words.

Frank Schaeffer wrote a really powerful piece today. I think he nailed the heart of Proverbs 18:21. I know that Dr. Tiller's death stirs up strong emotions. I think that's okay. But in the midst of our strong emotions, let us remember the power of our words.