A Dangerous Weapon that made it through Security

by DanWolgemuth on August 19, 2011

With the precision and accuracy of a seasoned sniper, the passenger in the middle seat of row six directed his caustic words at the Southwest flight attendant.

Consistent and turbulent air had made it inadvisable for the attendants to service the cabin of the Boeing 737, but that was insufficient rational for the middle-aged man. In subdued but very audible tones he lashed out. Emotionless in his delivery he fired his words. Just as quickly he was silent again, using a book as his cover, he pretended to be engrossed in his reading. But with two crisply delivered sentences he paralyzed Sally, our flight attendant.

She did her best to return fire with logic and data, but the damage was done. Sally was reeling. Her hands shook, her face battled to hold back tears. She’d been involved in a direct assault, and she was clearly wounded; deeply wounded.

Her gaze turned to me. I was next on her service agenda. She had the appearance of an individual in shock. Her eyes were vacant as she scrambled to process what had just happened. “I’m very sorry,” I said. “You’re doing a great job.” This seemed to shake her back into reality for a bit… but only for a moment. Her pain was real.

While TSA agents had done their best to make sure that no weapons had been brought on board our flight, they were defenseless against lethal words. And although there was no risk of bringing the airplane down, there was damage… real damage.

“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” ~ James 1:26 (ESV)

An uncontrolled tongue is evidence of an unconstrained soul. Words come from the arsenal of our heart and reflect the authentic condition of our lives.

The tongue… “Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water?” ~ James 3:9-11 (NLT)

Healing or destroying. Refreshing or poisoning. Transforming or paralyzing.

The tongue. Safely through security at every airport in the country… but ever so lethal.

But under the control of a transformed soul…

“Gracious words are like a honeycomb,
sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” ~ Proverbs 16:24 (ESV)

Is your tongue armed for destruction or for hope?

{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }

Lyle Ahrenholz August 20, 2011 at 3:05 PM

Thanks again for your thoughtful, helpful words. May God continue to bless your ministry.

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Patti August 29, 2011 at 12:47 PM

Excellent!

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DanWolgemuth August 29, 2011 at 2:49 PM

Thanks, Patti.

God bless,
Dan

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