Words

Just a few months ago, I was sharing that my current role is the all-time favorite of my entire employed life. A pretty big claim and it couldn’t be more true! The people I serve with are genuine, the work is challenging, and I have the honor of watching people’s lives change because of God’s great love for them. It is weightiness and exhilaration mixed together beautifully. 

These past two weeks, however, have been the most challenging that I’ve ever experienced as an Executive Assistant. I know how to work hard and I’ve lived enough life to understand the rhythm of highs and lows with just about everything I set my hands to. But these past several days have challenged me in ways I could not have prepared myself for. I’ve seen the frustration of our world’s circumstances bubble over into horrible vitriol. And it has been spoken vitriol.

Words. The power of life and death has been entrusted to us by our Creator.

As the gatekeeper of this office, I have the responsibility of being the first point of contact for the large majority of communications sent to my oversight. Mail, phone calls, in-person conversations, and (the most popular method of communication) emails…they all get screened by my eyes and ears first. Everything from sales calls, to wrong numbers, to informational pieces are included with the notes addressed specifically to him. All words. While some of those notes have been very encouraging, others have been passionate in the harshest of ways. Ridiculous reproaches hurled into the deep space known as Email Land.

I wonder, sometimes, if people realize that others actually see their words.

The tongue has the power of life and death,

and those who love it will eats its fruit.

Proverbs 18:21

While there is much to say about the responsibility of words and how they are used, I’d like to focus on how we as Administrative Assistants respond to the words we receive. How do we handle misguided passion? What do we do with false accusations? How do we respond to that “final straw” before we lose our own joy?

• Suit up!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Ephesians 6:10-18

We know it but sometimes we forget. A friend of mine gave me a Wonder Woman trading card a few years ago and I keep it on my desk as a visual reminder to put on my armor. Whether we realize it or not, we are waging a spiritual battle each day. Warriors never go into battle without their armor.

• Believe the best first.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Proverbs 4:23

We cannot afford to believe anything less than the best of our brothers and sisters. Yes, their words may not reflect the goodness of the Lord in their lives at that moment, but we have all said things we’ve regretted and I want to be quick to offer grace and prevent my heart from being tainted by unforgiveness. You should know that this is one of the most difficult things for me to do. My warrior spirit can be pushed for only so long before I want to wield my sword and set the record straight. Protecting my heart is best for me and the person across from me.

• Be kind.

So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 

Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience,

not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

Romans 2:3-4

Sometimes being the hands and feet of Jesus simply means demonstrating kindness to someone who hasn’t earned it. Perhaps they are accustomed to poking the bear with a stick to be heard. We get to be the ones who usher them into the presence of the Lamb to be healed and restored. Just like someone else did for us.

Your work may be hidden but it is so incredibly important to the Lord. He has entrusted you with His Beloved – whether they know that’s who they are or not. And He has given you the gifts necessary to minister in this very unique way. Ministry can be messy. People can be difficult. Feelings can be trampled. So let Him clean you up, refresh you with His Spirit, and whisper His love to you so you can be His hands and feet to more hurting people. His whisper to all of us is…

You are adored.