If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. —James 1:26

Back in 1980, Cheryl Prewitt Salem became Miss America. Cheryl is a beautiful person on the outside but more importantly, her inner beauty radiates God’s love in her life. When she was four years old she often hung around her father’s small country store. Almost daily the milkman would visit, and she would follow him around as he lined the display cases with shiny bottles of milk. He always greeted her in the same way: “How’s my little Miss America?” At first she giggled, but by about age 11 she became very comfortable with this idea of becoming Miss America. Before long it was her childhood fantasy and teenage dream. It became a prayer and a solid goal.

Later she did become Miss America. She traveled the world spreading goodwill and, because Cheryl is a deeply committed Christian, the gospel of Jesus Christ.

It all started because God used a milkman to speak a word to this young and impressionable mind. It was embedded in her subconscious. Her prayer became a reality.

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. —Proverbs 18:21

Can God use your tongue to offer an affirming word to someone?

GOING DEEPER:
1. Is there someone in your life to affirm today? Of course there is! Who is it and how will you affirm him or her?

2. Read James 3:10. What is the lesson from this section of Scripture?

FURTHER READING:
James 3:10; Psalm 19:14