German composer Felix Mendelssohn's grandfather, Moses Mendelssohn, was not a handsome man. In addition to his short stature, he also had a hunched back. When he met a young lady named Frumtje, Moses fell madly in love, but Frumtje was repulsed by his appearance.
Finally getting the courage to talk to her, Moses asked, "Do you believe marriages are made in heaven?"
When she said yes, Moses said, "In heaven at the birth of each boy, the Lord announces which girl he will marry. When I was born, my future bride was pointed out to me. Then the Lord said, 'But your wife will be humpbacked.' Right then and there I called out, 'Oh Lord, a humpbacked woman would be a tragedy. Please, Lord, give me the hump and let her be beautiful.'"
Frumtje reached out and gave Mendelssohn her hand, and later became his devoted wife.
Are the words that we use with one another important? After reading the above story I was reminded once again that our CHOICE of words are vital in the communication that we have with one another. Certainly, we should never even think to coerce or manipulate, but the way that we speak to one another, and the words that we choose is important.
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14