This post first appeared here January 16, 2012. Last January I reposted it—to give myself a check-up on how I’m doing. For some reason, I feel compelled to reprise it again this year. Perhaps you’ll benefit, too.
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
I can’t help but wonder … Is the opposite true, too?
Is it possible that life in its truest and best form actually BEGINS the day we stop being silent about things that matter?
The day we give voice to someone who has none …
When we value the life stories that came before ours …
… and let the generation after ours be born to tell theirs.
When we stop worrying about awkward situations and show hands-on caring to people whose futures are uncertain …
… who feel like they’re carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders …
… who work from paycheck to paycheck — hoping to make ends meet.
People who have no paycheck — or home — and for whom the ends don’t meet … and never will.
When we stop silently snubbing people who make poor choices … and start showing compassion and encouragement and offering hope for a brighter future.
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The day we quit ignoring hard truths — like the fact that hundreds of thousands of pre-adolescent girls are forced into prostitution every year. Are we really going to remain silent?
Silent … about little ones held captive in situations beyond their control … while we experience freedom?
In fact, I wonder… Are we silent about that, too? Do we silently respect our protectors … or are we quick to say aloud how much we value their service and their sacrifice …
… and the many unsung, often unknown, sacrifices of their families.
Are we so busy with our own lives that we forget the stresses and challenges of young husbands and wives? Is there encouragement we can offer … if we’ll just break our silence?
And young families … Those sweet little ones grow up, and sometimes the “sweet” turns bitter and exhausting … and young parents need the prayers and listening ears of those of us who have already been down that road. And sometimes they just need a babysitter …
It used to be the norm for families to value relationships and teach morals …
For students to actually receive a worthwhile education … while giving and getting respect. And teachers could count on the support of parents rather than the blame …
“Work ethic” used to mean something …
And faith was the cornerstone of all that was right in our world …
In some circumstances, the proverbial saying, “Silence is golden” is true … but not in any of these.
Tears of hurting people flow in silence because many of us have been silent far too long, and our world … and churches … and families are now experiencing the consequences of our negligence.
Isn’t it time we break our silence? Isn’t it time we pay attention and give credence to things that truly matter?
Isn’t it time we started living … making a difference … instead of going through the motions?
What changes are you going to make … today? What research are you going to do … now … to learn the facts about a “silent” topic?
Whose world is going to be better because you decide to enter it … and give them a voice?
I considered turning off comments … but decided against it. IF you leave a comment, I hope it’s because one of these areas has struck a chord with you, and you’re going to start trying to find your voice. I’d love to know what “silent” topic is tugging at your heart. But please… I can’t bear to read any, “We need to do more for those poor people” comments. We’ve said that … and done too little … for too long.
One of the largest cities in the state I live in also has one of the highest incidents of sex trafficking in the United States. The statistics are staggering from that city and others. I had no idea. So I got more informed. And when you have information like that you have to share it. I have shared it a few places and with several people but that is a mere drop in the pond on this issue and coupled with the others you mentioned just a a drop in the vast ocean…but it is a start and I guess we all have to start somewhere.