KEEP IT SHUT - Review

Karen Ehman seems to be a down-to-earth yet "pointing you to Jesus" kind of speaker and seems to be quite chatty. Reading her book was very encouraging since I also struggle with the chatty part.

KEEP IT SHUT is a book that simply teaches you "what to say, how to say it and when to keep it shut." Here is some advice that she sprinkles throughout the book...

• "Before we open our mouths, we need to think about not only to whom we're speaking but also what they may be dealing with at the time and how the news might impact them."

• Don't say something permanently painful just because you are temporarily ticked off

• (Speaking of a small group setting) "If some of us who talk too much would actually zip our lips a minute, then these people could have an opportunity to speak up more often

• Talking to God helps me know how to talk to others

• We must also examine the why behind our words as well as how we say them 

• We need to speak the truth, but kindness matters....if something is hard to say, it will be hard for the other person to hear; I need to craft my words in such a way so as they are helpful.

• Leave some things unsaid: Write your "talk" down, then cross some off. Boil it all down to the most important thing that needs to be said.

This is just a taste of book. She gives some awesome advice using the Biblical illustration of salt. She also gives some great reminders about communication through social media.

I want to leave you with her closing illustration because I think it's that good. She talks about words and honeycombs, like the Bible does. She did some research and found out that "the sweetness or bitterness of honey is determined by what the bee drinks in and the amount of time it spends in the sun."

What are you drinking in? Are you spending time in the Son? Your words will show us whether you are or not. 

Ladies, get the book. It's really good whether you struggle with saying too much or saying too little, it will help you. - Rejoicing in the Present

* I was given this book free in exchange for my honest opinion.