Well, Bless Your Heart!

The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders. A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. (Proverbs 18:17-21 ESV).

A warning… today might be seen as a rant. I hope not; but, if you see it that way, perhaps you can be encouraged to spend a moment and reflect on how you use your conversations to really bless others just a bit more. The title today is “Well, bless your heart.” In the South this saying, or one of its many variations depending on gender or number of people addressed, only follows a completely awful comment that a stereotypically southern native just made. When we criticize someone and follow it up with “bless their heart,” we aren’t really asking God to bless their heart. We’re just trying to not seem like a jerk while we gossip. I went to a local “barbershop” last week. It was one of those many chains that have become the norm today. You walk in and everyone turns from their client to greet you with a “welcome to…” I always wonder if they’re really glad to see me, or if they simply think “Oh no, not another one.” At any rate, having signed in online, which seems to be the only way you can actually get in line with any reasonable expectation of a haircut, I walked in and saw that an older man was there again. He had cut my hair once before and it was not just a good haircut, it was pleasant in a very nostalgic way. He doesn’t move as fast as the other “stylists.” However, he is perfect for me. I guess I looked like I was in a hurry because a young lady came to the check-in counter to log me in and take me back to her chair before he could get there. He was piddling a little, but that didn’t bother me. I told the young lady that I’d just as soon wait on him and she said, “Oh, bless his heart, he’s not as quick as he used to be. I’ll be happy to help you.” My response was probably a bit sarcastic. I simply said, “That’s OK. I really prefer a real barber.” With a bit of a huff she went back to her station and the “old guy” took me back for a haircut. We chatted a bit about things that were really of no consequence and some that were. I’m sure everyone heard our conversation as both of us couldn’t hear thunder anymore. But I got a great haircut and a bit more. I got his name and his schedule so that I can request him from now on. I felt good. I hope he did as well. The reading today says, “…death and life are in the power of the tongue” (v. 21). I know I can be more intentional about my words. Perhaps you can too. Let’s use them for life!