It is so wild to me that one small comment or word can so drastically change how we see things. I have a quick story to share that shows the true impact an encouraging word has on our mindset or perspective. I hope you find this encouraging.
I would not venture to say the knight family is a super proud bunch, we’re not super patriotic or obsessed with a school or sports team, but when it comes to our last name, the knight family dominates all others, mostly in the eyes of the men… I always grew up knowing that my last name was “cool,” it became instinct when people asked my last name to follow my answer with “you know, like a knight in shining armor” and then they would usually say “that’s awesome” or something along those lines. All of that to say, when alex and I got engaged, there was a serious question in everyone’s mind if I would in fact be leaving the precious Knight surname and adopting my husband-to-be’s. During our engagement, SO MANY people asked me what my new last name would be, I would sort of embarrassingly say “Berryhill” and then usually some dumb joke about berries or hills would follow suit. I didn’t feel the same pride I always felt when responding with “Knight.” A last name is just a last name, and yet for some reason I felt like I wasn’t upholding the standard, or something silly like that. For months I went around cringing every time I heard that question asked, and then one day I received the familiar question from my boss at work. I responded the same as before, but the feeling that followed was totally different. She responded with the most touching compliment, “emily berryhill, that sounds like it’s straight out of a Jane Austen novel.” wait what? In that moment my mindset did a complete 180. I could see what she was seeing, and just like that my name sounded sweet and charming and perfectly picturesque. That was the simplest comment on her part, but it showed me the true impact we have on others in the way that we use our words. My beautiful boss chose to speak life and affirm me in a sweet innocent way; she probably had no idea the effect that she had on my heart and my confidence when she spoke those words, but I do. I hold that moment dearly and because of that I am charged to use my tongue in the same way, to build up, affirm and encourage.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
Ephesians 4:29

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
Proverbs 18:21

“Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”
Proverbs 16:24

I would charge you to think about a time that you were deeply impacted by a kind word someone spoke to you. Dwell on that and posture yourself to be a reflection of Jesus when you talk to others, be the person who changes the way someone views something for the better.

“Your own soul is nourished when you are kind, but you destroy yourself when you are cruel.”
Proverbs 11:17

Much love beautiful people, thanks for stopping by for this quick read, and thank you Liz for changing the way I see my last name, you are truly a blessing.

love,
em