Say the Right Thing

Jen Oshman

Carolyn Lacey prioritizes the goodness we see in God’s word and in God himself, and then she helps us to ponder how our own words might reflect that goodness in all kinds of situations. If you struggle with what to say or how to say it, this book will strengthen you!

Paul Mallard

In this inspiring book, Carolyn Lacey helps us to appreciate just how important words are—helping us to see how our words can become channels of blessing into the lives of others. It is not just a matter of avoiding toxic words.

“So helpful!”

Carolyn Lacey has written so helpfully and clearly on a topic that can seem pretty daunting - how we use our words. Sometimes it’s easy to think that being Godly with our speech is about not saying very much at all, but ‘Say the right thing’ challenges and encourages us to see that we can and should use our words to the glory of God, and this book gives us the tools to help. It’s also packed full of scripture and helpful application, I definitely recommend giving it a read!

“So helpful!”

Carolyn Lacey has written so helpfully and clearly on a topic that can seem pretty daunting - how we use our words. Sometimes it’s easy to think that being Godly with our speech is about not saying very much at all, but ‘Say the right thing’ challenges and encourages us to see that we can and should use our words to the glory of God, and this book gives us the tools to help. It’s also packed full of scripture and helpful application, I definitely recommend giving it a read!

“Biblical and practical help for using our words well”

I loved 'Say the Right Thing'! Each chapter is Biblical and points to Christ, the one who always said the right thing. It was challenging to think through the way I use words to bring comfort, kindness and hope, but also how I could expand the way I use words to praise others and speak words of beauty. Carolyn Lacey is honest and realistic in her writing so that when I'd finished the book I felt there was hope for me to grow more like the Lord Jesus in how I speak. I pray that 'Say the Right Thing' will have a lasting impact in shaping the way I speak as the Holy Spirit works in me.

“Biblical and practical help for using our words well”

I loved 'Say the Right Thing'! Each chapter is Biblical and points to Christ, the one who always said the right thing. It was challenging to think through the way I use words to bring comfort, kindness and hope, but also how I could expand the way I use words to praise others and speak words of beauty. Carolyn Lacey is honest and realistic in her writing so that when I'd finished the book I felt there was hope for me to grow more like the Lord Jesus in how I speak. I pray that 'Say the Right Thing' will have a lasting impact in shaping the way I speak as the Holy Spirit works in me.

“Quick & Encouraging”

This quick, encouraging read is a good reminder and a focus on our words! What is the most right thing to say? He is worthy!! But so many practical tips with Biblical Truth and personal stories! I was convicted in the words I use in my mothering and encouraged to not just try to "say the right thing" but keep my eyes on Christ and have Him change my heart. And to also always have an answer for the hope I have!

“Quick & Encouraging”

This quick, encouraging read is a good reminder and a focus on our words! What is the most right thing to say? He is worthy!! But so many practical tips with Biblical Truth and personal stories! I was convicted in the words I use in my mothering and encouraged to not just try to "say the right thing" but keep my eyes on Christ and have Him change my heart. And to also always have an answer for the hope I have!

“A Positive Case for Using Our Speech Well”

Having read a number of Christian books about this sort of theme in the past, the standard way to deal with our speech has seemed to be a strong warning to be careful with your words, listing all of the bad ways we can use our speech and telling us to be very careful to avoid those. Lacey takes a very different, much more positive approach, showing us how our words don't only have the power to harm, which we must avoid, but the power to glorify God and encourage others, building people up and pointing them towards God. It's a much more winsome way to pastor someone in the area of speech and definitely worth a read

“A Positive Case for Using Our Speech Well”

Having read a number of Christian books about this sort of theme in the past, the standard way to deal with our speech has seemed to be a strong warning to be careful with your words, listing all of the bad ways we can use our speech and telling us to be very careful to avoid those. Lacey takes a very different, much more positive approach, showing us how our words don't only have the power to harm, which we must avoid, but the power to glorify God and encourage others, building people up and pointing them towards God. It's a much more winsome way to pastor someone in the area of speech and definitely worth a read

“The Way God Uses Words”

Can we really tame our tongue? In Say the Right Thing, Carolyn Lacey shares how your words can glorify God and encourage others.

Biblical Wisdom and Strategies for Speaking

This short book is full of biblical wisdom and strategies to help us with what we say. Lacey means to show us that our words matter, and our speech should be fashioned by our faith.

I was most interested to see how we can instill beauty in our words when we are surrounded by a sinful and suffering world. Lacey calls us to look beyond this world, and to focus our gaze on Christ. We will find God’s beauty “chasing” us (Psalm 23:6) and we can use our words to point others to him.

The Way God Uses Words

Using Isaiah 40, Lacey shares that we can speak comfort into suffering by focusing on God’s character - not our own experiences. I was most challenged to see that we may be tempted to be irritable or impatient with certain people - and that we should pay special attention to our words with them. Speaking to them as kin can help us be more kind and compassionate.

The book closes with challenges to share the gospel with others and to praise God in your everyday life. After reading this book, I am amazed at the way God uses words in our lives. I feel sharpened in my ability to speak, and softened in my heart to better share the words of Christ.

I received a media copy of Say the Right Thing and this is my honest review.