yes you can

​Yes you can is a phrase which can be interpreted two different ways. The first way most like to think of this phrase is how you can be motivated to accomplish something. The second way this phrase is important relates to how you can destroy a person. 
 
I remember reading a story about two boys in a home. They were a split family and the step mother did not like the oldest child. For one reason or another they were home alone and the younger boy, the favorite ran out of the house. It was in the middle of a blizzard. The older boy ran after the younger. Neither of them had coats. The older boy found the younger brother but they lost their way back home. 
 
They sought shelter under some trees. The older brother told his younger brother that he could not freeze to death because their mom would never forgive him. So he took off his cloths and covered the little brother with all of his clothing and then laid on top of him to keep him warm. 
 
The next day the boys were found with the older brother still on top of the younger frozen to death. The little brother was alive. This story always stuck with me over the years to remind me of how severe a person’s words can destroy another. 
 
I also heard recently on the radio the story of two brothers swimming the younger beginning to drown. The older brother saved him but drowned in the process. He was quickly recovered and resuscitated. The older brother laid in a coma for months before miraculously waking up having no brain damage and going on to live a normal life. 
You can crush – Yes you can
You can criticize – Yes you can 
You can ridicule – Yes you can
You can destroy dreams, hope, character, love, innocence, pride, and creativity. Yes you can 
 
One of the biggest ways you can impact others is with your fellow brothers and sisters. The church is number one in killing their own wounded. However, you can build, uplift, inspire, support, love, and be there to help protect. Yes you can. 
 
Jezebel was a queen who was cunning, ruthless and reprehensible. Her mission was to fulfill her own agenda at the cost of anyone else. She hated prophets of God and caused many to be hidden. She brought Elijah to such disparity he wanted to die. This was a man of God in such pain from her iniquity he could no longer stand it. In 1 Kings chapter 21 Nabath owned a vineyard. King Ahab wanted the vineyard but Nabath wouldn’t sell it. So Jezebel wrote a letter in Ahab’s name ordering the execution of Nabath. 
 
Esther on the other hand was a very beautiful young woman. She was orphaned and raised by her cousin Mordechai who she looked to as a father. She was ordered to appear as a part of the kings’ harem. She was ultimately selected to be his wife and she became the queen. There were many rules and traditions in those days not permitting the wife to approach while the king was on his throne and forbidding her from entering certain rooms. 
 
Ester put on her royal clothes and entered the inner court where the king was on the throne. She risked her lift to tell him of evil plots which would have the Jewish race exiled. She received miraculous favor which could be embarrassing to a king.She started a revolution just like what is happening in Carr and the rest of rural America. These are communities dedicated to one another taking back the small town traditions and living life to the fullest while we glorify Christ.
 
Every day we can choose the path of Esther or Jezebel. Proverbs 18:21 (AMPC) states Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. Guarding our words and making sure what we say will impact a person in a Godly manner is essential. 
 
Romans 14:13 (ESV) states, Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. We need to ensure our words and actions are Godly words and actions. Romans 14:19 (ESV) then advises us to pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
 
            James 2:14 and 24 (AMPC) states  What is the use (profit), my brethren, for anyone to profess to have faith if he has no [good] works [to show for it]? Can [such] faith save [his soul]?  You see that a man is justified (pronounced righteous before God) through what he does and not alone through faith [through works of obedience as well as by what he believes].Faith without works is void meaning we as Christians need to ensure we are guarding our hearts and words. We have to act in a manner that can and will impact others growing them in Christ not diminishing their hearts.  
 
We are all in a call together. Though we are different parts in the body, ultimately we must work together in unison for proper function. God has called us to be dedicated to one another, to uplift one another, and to have fun with each other. Yes I said have fun. God has so many celebrations for different events, he clearly appoints celebrations so we can enjoy the miraculous. 
 
We are courageous.
We are people of good character.
We are committed to always doing the right thing.
In all we do, we are committed to glorifying Christ. 
 

You are an essential part of Christ’s body. He has appointed your purpose. I believe with all my heart you strive for the actions of Esther and refrain from the actions of Jezebel. With Christ’s strength, courage and support, you reflect His glory. Rest assured He loves you and will never leave or forsake you. I pray you allow him to give you strength through your daily tribulations with a constant reminder that you can go forward and know He is right there with you whispering in your ear, yes you can.