Mighty words softly spoken

“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing”.

Proverbs 12:18

A wise, tender shepherd recently entered my life.  Well known in our counseling community, he came with a reputation.  My own counselor spoke highly of him, and one of our professors raved so much about him he appeared in the professor’s newly released book.  On our first meeting, I awkwardly mentioned this buildup felt somewhat like I was meeting Jesus.  He smiled and graciously returned kind and genuine praise for the aforementioned people.

Upon meeting him you’d never guess the countless lives he’s impacted, until you feel him listen to you.  His language isn’t superfluous or showy; he’s not trying to make the game winning basket.  A glimmer of hope simply rests in the corner of his eyes as he listens and sees opportunities for sincere truth and life to be spoken into dead and dry corners of the heart.  His words come alive and comfort you, as if to rest a hand on your shoulder, nod and say “I know”. 

We’ve only met twice, but maybe in some ways it has been like meeting Jesus for this shepherd has offered grace, demonstrated compassion, and pointed me back to God—the true source of redemption and a Father always waiting to welcome home a prodigal child.