Well Said

July 31, 2023
Modern Farmhouse Family blogger Molitor chronicles her struggle to understand “when to use my words—and when to keep my mouth shut” in this candid debut guide to “effective and life-giving” communication. Molitor had become “an unfortunate expert at waging (and winning) wars with my words” in the first few argument-filled years of her marriage, until an explosive blowout with her husband after her second son’s birth motivated her to learn to speak in ways that better honored God, her spouse, and others. For the author, this began with seeking forgiveness from her husband, actively harnessing her words to uplift others, and keeping Jesus in mind during even banal conversations. She also realized that she needed to “speak the way God intended to,” which she explains looks different for everyone—some are natural “encouragers” and easily dispense compliments and pep talks (like the apostle Paul, who wrote letters “to various churches to encourage and exhort them”), while others are skilled at breaking down thorny concepts (natural “teachers,” like Jesus). Weaving in warts-and-all anecdotes from marriage and motherhood, Molitor assures readers that whether their “struggle with words stems from past hurts, habits, or carelessness,” they can learn to both hold back when necessary and use their voice to build others up. Chatterboxes, overtalkers, and the quick-tempered will find assurance and inspiration.