The Connection Corner

A daily source of encouragement and inspiration to connect your heart to hope and faith.

Words Hurt, Truth Heals

Daily Devotional, Heart of the Artist, Stories About Songs

Proverbs 12:18 — Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

Mean girls don’t remember what they said

But it’s funny because, well, I can’t seem to forget.

Most of my childhood was spent either singing or riding horses—sometimes both at the same time—so this felt pretty on brand. When I was thirteen, I broke my hand because the ground gave way underneath my big horse, Crispy. One trip to the doctor, a hot pink cast, and a few weeks later my hand was good as new. Eventually, I forgot all about the pain.

That’s the thing about broken bones. They heal, and life moves on.

I wish words worked the same way.

I wish the things people said when they were careless or cruel could be wrapped up, and forgotten after a little time. But words don’t heal like bones do. They stay. They replay and stick around long after the moment has passed.

If you and I were sitting across from each other over coffee, I’m guessing you wouldn’t have to think long to tell me what words hurt you most. You could probably tell me exactly who said them, where you were standing, and how small they made you feel. Because even if it’s been years, the sting is still familiar.

I’ve had my own run-ins with mean girls. People who spoke without thinking…or worse, people who spoke knowing exactly what they were doing. Either way, their words left bruises you couldn’t see but felt every time you doubted yourself or your worth. Every time, their voices shouted louder than the truth.

Scripture doesn’t sugarcoat this. Proverbs 12:18 says, “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

Some words cut deep. And some words heal deep. There’s no pretending otherwise.

For a long time, I let reckless words name me. I let them cling to my heart like they were permanent. But here’s what I’ve learned: just because words stick doesn’t mean they’re true, and just because something hurts doesn’t mean it gets the final say.

God is the One who names us. He is the One who heals us. He is the One who tells us who we really are. The voices that wounded you don’t get to write your story. They don’t get to define your future, either

Words can pierce like swords—but God’s truth binds wounds. They are what last.

So, here’s the invitation today: stop rehearsing what hurt you and start repeating what heals you. Let God’s words be the loudest ones in your life. Let them replace every label that never belonged to you in the first place.

You are not what they said. You are who God says you are.

Chosen.
Known.
Loved.

And His words are strong enough to heal what theirs never should have touched.

— LeAnna Crawford

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

What words from your past still replay in your mind?
Who spoke them — and have you allowed those voices to define you?
What names or labels has God given you in His Word?
Where do you need to replace a painful memory with a healing truth?
What kind of words are you speaking over others — cutting or healing?

Lyrics:

I try to pray but the words aren’t coming out the way they used to
Did I lose my faith God do I still trust You (mmm)
I try to worship but when I lift my hands it all just feels so empty
Is it the heavy of the world or is it just me (mmm)
Though I’ve sung a thousand times
You’re perfect and You’ll never leave leave my side

Can I be honest
I just wanna know that You still got this
When all I’m holding onto is a promise
God You promised
That You’ll never leave me
When I’m scared of the dark You’re right there with me
Your kindness never fails, it’s always reaching after me
But right now, God all I need
Is to be honest

Oh I’ve heard stories of you showing up when it was least expected
Every time you prove your timing always perfect – and the wait was worth it
Again and again and again – see your power coming through
You bring life to what is dead – no there’s nothing You can’t do
I believe you did it then – so won’t You do it now

Is Your breath when I can’t breathe
Your eyes when I can’t see
An anchor as the waves crash all around
Be my heart when I can’t feel
And show me something real
Just one taste of heaven here and now

Can I be honest
Can I be honest
I just wanna know that You still got this
When all I’m holding onto is a promise
God you promised
That you’ll never leave me
When I’m scared of the dark You’re right there with me
Your kindness never fails, it’s always reaching after me
But right now, God all I need
But right now, God all I need

February 28, 2026/by David Hall

Hold Tight to What Matters Most

Daily Devotional, David Hall

John 8:31-32 — Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

My daughter Reese is two, which means bath time is basically her happiest place on Earth. She’s in that joyful stage where there are more bath toys than water in the tub.

Lately, she’s been doing something new — something small, but fascinating to me. She has started organizing her foam bath letters.

Now before you say it, yes, my child is brilliant — thank you for noticing.

She lines the letters up carefully along the edge of the tub. Not randomly. By color. And she always starts with red. Sometimes she only does the red ones.

It’s adorable… until it’s time to get out.

When I lift her from the tub, she tries to gather those red letters like treasure. If one slips from her hand, everything falls apart until it’s recovered. If I try to dry her off without them, it’s a full-blown, end-of-the-world meltdown.

Logic doesn’t help. Explanations don’t matter. Because to Reese, in that moment, those red letters are everything.

Meanwhile, I’m standing there with soaked clothes, a screaming toddler, and a fistful of foam vowels.

But it’s made me think.

We don’t let go of what we love, do we? We cling to it.

And those red letters remind me of Jesus. In many Bibles, His words are printed in red. I admire them. I underline them. I quote them. But I don’t always cling to them — not with desperation. Not with the kind of grip Reese has.

Then I remember what Jesus actually says about His words.

In John 8:31–32, Jesus tells those who believed Him: “If you remain faithful to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Notice that freedom doesn’t come from casually reading. It comes from remaining. Continuing. Holding on.

Freedom is tied to staying close to what He says.

That’s what I want.

I want to experience that kind of freedom — the kind that comes from clinging to His words like they’re essential… because they are.

Reese isn’t thinking about theology. She just knows what matters to her. She knows what she loves. She isn’t embarrassed by how tightly she holds on.

Maybe that’s the picture.

Because freedom doesn’t necessarily come from knowing better. It comes from holding tighter. From letting the words of Jesus interrupt our thinking, reshape our reactions, steady our fears.

His words really are the words of life.

And I don’t ever want to let them go.

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

What words of Jesus have you admired but not fully “remained” in?
When pressure rises in your life, do you instinctively cling to His truth — or to something else?
What would it look like practically to “remain faithful” to His teachings this week?
Is there a specific truth from Scripture you need to hold tighter right now?
How might your experience of freedom change if you treated Jesus’ words as essential rather than optional?

February 27, 2026/by David Hall

Hooked on the Wrong Things

Daily Devotional, Tammi Arender

1 Corinthians 10:13 — No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

My coffee’s gone cold by the time Leslie’s text lights up my phone.

Leslie isn’t one to send fluff. When she reaches out, you pay attention. This time she writes, “I prayed for you this morning. I prayed whatever shiny bait the enemy dangles in front of you, that God would clip his line and he’d lose his lure.”

I laugh because it’s so Leslie. So Southern. So exactly what I needed.

Because in my life, fishing makes sense.

I grew up around it — early mornings, dew on the grass, the smell of bait that never quite washes off. I’d watch a bobber like it was the most important thing in the world. And if the fish don’t bite? You don’t blame the fish. You switch the bait.

The enemy fishes the same way — and he’s been doing it a long time. He’s skilled and persistent. If one lure doesn’t work, he just swaps it out for something shinier. Something more distracting. Something designed to pull my eyes off what really matters.

And I’ve chased a few of those shiny things myself. Nothing catastrophic or headline-worthy. Just distractions that sparkle more than they satisfy. Things God never really wanted for me.

That’s the trick. The lure isn’t dangerous because it’s irresistible — it’s dangerous because it wastes time. While I stare at the wrong things, I miss the good stuff God is actually placing right in front of me.

Scripture reminds us of something steady and grounding. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

The temptation isn’t unique. The struggle isn’t proof you’re failing. And the lure isn’t stronger than God.

There is always a way out.

Sometimes the escape looks like walking away.
Sometimes it looks like deleting the app.
Sometimes it looks like not replying.
Sometimes it looks like simply waiting long enough for the shine to wear off.

God is faithful. Not distant. Not distracted. Faithful.

So when something glittery pulls at your attention — something that promises quick relief or easy satisfaction — pause. Ask yourself if it’s nourishment or just noise.

Let the wrong line get clipped.

Turn toward what lasts. Turn toward the steady, nourishing goodness of God that truly satisfies. Let go of every shiny distraction that was never meant for you in the first place.

He is faithful. And He always provides a way through.

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

What “shiny bait” has been competing for your attention lately — something that looks appealing but may not lead where you truly want to go?
When you feel tempted or distracted, what does your usual response look like? Do you react quickly, or do you pause long enough to notice the way of escape?
How have you seen God provide a way out in the past — even if it wasn’t obvious at first?
What practical step could you take today to “clip the line” on something that keeps pulling you away from what matters most?
How might trusting God’s faithfulness change the way you face temptation this week?

February 26, 2026/by Tammi Arender