On average, each of us will speak over 860 million words in our lifetime. That’s approximately 16.5 words per minute, every minute, every day.

Talk is cheap.
We use words rather than action.
We speak of tomorrow to avoid the cost due today.
These words have lasting negative effects.

Talk is cheap.
We can encourage another human being at no cost.
We can use words to take someone to a better place.
These words have lasting positive effects.

TALK IS CHEAP.
But given to the right person at the right time, it’s more valuable than gold.

Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.

1 Samuel 2:3 KJV

Naomi had an incredibly hard life. After moving to a new country with her husband and children, to find work, tragedy struck. Her husband and both her sons soon became ill and died. She was left with depression, incredible pain, and the loyalty of her foreign daughter-in-law Ruth. She decided to return to her home country with only Ruth in tow. So distraught with what had happened to her, she told her family to change her name to Mara (translated “bitter”). 

At her lowest point when it seems she should throw in the towel and die, she turns her focus away from herself toward her daughter-in-law. She helps and instructs Ruth in the customs of the country. Long story short, Ruth marries Boaz and becomes the great grandmother of one of the greatest kings in Israel’s history, David. 

We all have gifts, blessings, opportunities, tragedies, illness, pain, and sorrow. Thank God, we also have a choice. Choose to focus outward both in times of blessing and in times of need.

Stewardship is not about the hand you are dealt, it’s how you play it.

And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.

Ruth 1:5 KJV

Cliché: Do the right thing at the right time.
Virtue: KEEP DOING the right thing.

I’ve watched my son achieved 4th degree Black Belt at age 14. He has been training Taekwondo since age 5.

My youngest daughter is now a cosmetology magician. She has been braiding hair as long as I can remember. (It’s amazing to watch)

My oldest daughter has started and currently runs multiple businesses. All while juggling the responsibilities of wife and mother. She started the first business in 5th grade.

I had my first interview with social media influencer Lauren Norris yesterday. The takeaway message from our conversation and foundation for her success… CONSISTENCY.

The oldest of these examples is only 23.

For the young people out there…be inspired. Keep doing the right thing.
For the old-heads out there… be encouraged. Some young folks are still doing the right thing.

And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.

Ruth 3:11 KJV