The Power of Our Words and Responses.

Last week, we took our daughter to get her hair done. She had a very specific hairstyle in mind — inspired by a character she loves. To her, it wasn’t just a hairstyle. It was excitement, creativity, and joy wrapped into one simple request.

We went to the first hairdresser with hope.

The hairdresser looked at the picture… and laughed. Instead of saying it might be difficult or unfamiliar, she dismissed the idea and made it seem odd. In that moment, I watched my daughter’s excitement fade. Her confidence shrank, and she quietly decided she didn’t want to do her hair anymore. She felt embarrassed, as though her idea was something to be ashamed of.

It was striking how quickly a few words could wound a heart.

And I realized something important: Sometimes, people don’t crush dreams intentionally – they simply respond carelessly.

I watched her confidence shrink in real time. She no longer wanted to try. She wanted to go home. What started as excitement turned into embarrassment. She began to believe that her idea was wrong… that her choice was something to be ashamed of.

We sat with her and reminded her that no one else gets to decide her happiness. Confidence must come from within and God has created her uniquely and wonderfully. We encouraged her to try one more place, even though her heart had already been wounded.

The second hairdresser looked at the same picture and responded very differently. She smiled and said, “That’s a beautiful hairstyle. I’m not sure if I can do it perfectly, but I will do my best.”

That simple response changed everything. Hope returned. Confidence was restored. When we left, I saw a smile that reflected acceptance and joy.

Same request.
Same person.
Same situation.
Two different responses — two very different outcomes. That moment made me reflect deeply as a follower of Christ.

The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 18:21:
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Sometimes we don’t realize how much our words matter. A careless response can discourage someone deeply. A kind response can restore hope. Jesus consistently modeled this in His ministry. When others dismissed people, Jesus saw them differently.

Consider the story of Jesus and the woman at the well. Society rejected her. People avoided her. But Jesus chose conversation instead of dismissal. He saw her, spoke gently, and offered hope. That interaction changed her life.

Or think about Jesus blessing the little children. When the disciples tried to send the children away, Jesus responded differently. He welcomed them and said, “Let the little children come to me.” He understood that acceptance matters — especially to a child.

In both stories, Jesus responded with compassion when others might have dismissed. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect that same heart.

Ephesians 4:29 reminds us:
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

The second hairdresser did exactly that. She didn’t promise perfection. She simply encouraged and affirmed. And that was enough to change how my daughter felt. Jesus also teaches us something powerful in Matthew 7:12: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.”

In moments like these, Jesus invites us to pause and ask:

• Are my words building someone up?
• Am I responding with kindness?
• Am I reflecting grace in my response?

We may not always be able to fulfill someone’s hopes or requests. But we can always respond with gentleness, humility, and compassion.

Colossians 4:6 says:
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

Sometimes, the biggest impact we make isn’t in grand moments but in simple interactions, when someone places a small dream in our hands, and we choose to handle it with care.

That day, I was reminded that following Christ isn’t just about big spiritual moments. It’s also about everyday interactions — simple conversations, small responses, ordinary encounters. Because sometimes, someone’s confidence… someone’s joy… even someone’s hope…
can be shaped by how we respond.

And as followers of Christ, we are called to speak life, extend grace, and reflect His love — even in the smallest moments.