Before social media, my junior high friends and I used to write each other old-fashioned notes using lined paper and pencils—the kind they make from real trees! I still have some of those notes, so I’m going to share two of them with you today: the first from 6th or 7th grade and the second from college.
As you read these notes, look for the fruit (did their words build someone up or tear someone down) as well as the root behind the fruit of their words (what’s obviously in these girls’ hearts).
Exhibit #1
Paula,
Will you go with me to talk to Megan? I want to tell her why we won’t tell her why we’re mad (because she’ll tell her mom and then we’ll get in trouble).
Other reasons:
- Her clothes are ugly.
- She lies.
- She flirts (and denies it).
- She thinks she is awesome.
- She brags about her grades.
- She brags about her brothers.
- She brags about the ugly cars they have.
- She said she has only gotten spanked once.
- She thinks she is cool because she has a silver trumpet.
- She tells her mom everything.
- She copies us.
- She thinks she is talented at running, drawing, and school work.
- She thinks she is pretty.
- She thinks she is cool because her dad is the preacher.
- She thinks she is a good babysitter.
- She thinks everyone likes her.
- She thinks she is a tomboy (pink, teddy bears, mama’s girl, likes dresses).
- She thinks she has a perfect life.
Oh yeah, when her mom asked what was wrong she said, “Are you jealous of Megan because of something she has or can do or does?” I stood there thinking, Yeah right!!
I’m kinda scared too because she’ll tell her mom, and then her mom will tell my mom, and I’ll get in trouble!
Kelly
PS: Write back.
Exhibit #2
10 Things I Love About Paula
10. She delights in simple pleasures.
9. She gives great advice.
8. Her iron will when it comes to resisting sugar. 😉
7. She loves people.
6. She makes me laugh.
5. Her curiosity about people and life.
4. She’s my sister Resident Assistant.
3. Her beautiful smile.
2. She gives great back rubs.
1. Her boast and confidence is in Christ.
How about it? Did exhibit 1 and 2 build up or tear someone down? What can you tell about the writers’ hearts based only on their words?
And, more importantly . . . are your words more like exhibit 1 or exhibit 2?
