What Thumper Said

      I watched Bambi recently. By watched, I mean I stared at my phone while my sick 5-year-old laid on me. Later that night my daughter felt her sisters were not speaking kind enough to her and she responded with Thumper’s famous line: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t even talk to me!”. Close enough for a 5-year-old. When I read Proverbs 11:11 (and many other portions of Proverbs) I think of this statement. It’s a great reminder of the impact our words and actions can have on the world around us. Especially when the upright, those empowered by the Holy Spirit, are present in a city, especially their city! Our words and actions act as a positive influence that can lift our entire community. Our integrity, compassion, and good deeds become a source of inspiration and hope. Sadly, the opposite is also true. The words and deeds of the wicked can have a destructive effect, tearing down the fabric of a city and causing harm. Let today be a reminder of that responsibility. We must choose our words and actions wisely. They can build up or tear down. So, as we navigate day to day life, strive to be upright, offering blessings, encouragement, and love to those around us. Lift up your communities, and through that glorify God through both our words and actions!

Tim S

’81 /’99  Middletown NY