Words have great power. Who among us has not been stung with the fiery darts of unkind words? Who has not inflicted harm to others with venomous, mean-spirited words. Thankfully Holy Spirit gives us the power to pause. We have the power to pause to seek to understand then be understood. We have the power to pause so that we can be guided to give words that bring life, that create opportunity for peace and that provide reconciliation.