An ember from a wildfire can travel through the air, land in a dry field, and spark a blaze that consumes entire forests. Something so small yet flammable can cause destruction beyond our imagination.
In California, wildfires happen almost every year. Earlier this year, the Palisades fire was rumored to have started from a single cigarette butt. That tiny spark grew into a catastrophic fire that destroyed homes, claimed lives, and tore families from the communities they once called home. It’s a sobering reminder that it doesn’t take much for chaos and destruction to spread.
The Power of Words
The same is true with our words and actions. One word spoken in anger, rooted in resentment, jealousy, or hate, can create a fire that takes days, weeks, or even years to extinguish.
Think about how many times you’ve said something to a spouse, friend, or family member in a knee-jerk reaction. That one moment can instantly send you into a back-and-forth argument that lingers far longer than the spark that started it. Even after the argument cools, what’s left behind are the charred remains and the reminders that all parties impacted must clean up.
Pause Before You Speak
Just as someone living in fire-prone areas carefully ensures a cigarette is fully put out before tossing it, we can learn to pause, breathe, and respond with intention. Don’t let anger control the words you speak. What’s inside of you may be valid, but how you articulate it determines the outcome.
I’ve looked back on moments where, had I paused, breathed, and chosen to respond differently, the outcome would have been far better. I could have built a bridge of connection instead of creating distance with my words. Scripture says life and death are in the power of the tongue, and I believe that’s true. The words we speak are the legacy we leave.
A Daily Reminder
So, when you speak—whether about yourself or to others—let it be with care. Words can be flaming objects that destroy, or they can be seeds that nourish and grow. No one is perfect, and we won’t always get it right. But this is a daily reminder to be conscious of your words and actions, and to do no harm.
Wisdom In The Room 