Words matter! The old saying sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never harm me is a crock. Words can do more damage to people than physical abuse. I have seen it in my own life and in the lives of others. There is something about getting praise from people that lifts our attitude. Encouraging people are a joy to be around. People that lift others up are blessings. In the Old Testament, a blessing was something that a father would give to his first born son. It set the tone for the rest of their life. Unfortunately today many people live in verbally abusive environments. They are told how sorry they are and that they are losers. What is cool about Jesus is because I am a loser, I win. When I lose all of the junk in my life, Jesus takes it and nails it to the cross. Because he lost his life, I win. What a blessing. It is funny to hear comedians like Don Rickles and Milton Berle insulting people. But, I would rather be around people that are blessings to others. Imagine how we could change the world if we were a blessing to our communities instead of pointing out all of the "evils!" Groups that carry signs that say "God hates fags" and blaming the hurricanes on God's vengence on the "evil" in New Orleans and the casinos in Mississippi are missing the point. Jesus changed everything. There are many followers of Christ who live in those regions and are being used by God to make a difference. Jesus would have hung out in the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. He would have ministered to those who go to and work at the casinos. Why are we as the church condemning rather than being a blessing? My prayer is that my life will be a blessing to others. My family, my friends, my church and the community I live in. If churches did this we could change our communities forever!