This post first appeared here January 16, 2012. I’ve reposted it on occasion—to give myself a check-up on how I’m doing. I feel compelled to reprise it again this year. How are you doing?
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.
 |
| Read the rest of the story … |
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.
Oh my goodness this so tugged at my heart Susan! Thanks for sharing this I’m putting it somewhere I can keep as a reminder! My heart is for teens who have no one that cares and also those that have made bad choices! I am involved in a ministry in my church helping those who are struggling with addiction etc but I know I can do more! Thanks again for this beautiful post! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Cindy, those heart tugs can’t be ignored, can they? Thank you for your ministry to teens and neighbors dealing with addictions. It truly takes us all, and I am a firm believer that, if we allow him, God puts us in positions of ministry—sometimes far out of our comfort zones!—where he can use us. At least that’s my experience. I so appreciate people who are willing to take that super-hard first step of faith and love neighbors in the midst of their difficult, ugly, messy reality. That’s what it means to be a follower of Christ, not just a believer.
I know you do more than talk the talk, Susan. Thank you for these words, but thank you more for the actions that most of us don’t see behind the scenes. You’ve inspired me to check on a friend that I’ve been avoiding because I know her needs are greater than my resources. But I can still lend her my support and prayers and friendship.
Ouch… her needs greater than your resources. Boy, do I get that! Your words bring to mind a family we tried to help a few years ago. We did what we could, but many times (as you said) support, prayers, and friendship were all we could offer. Other times, we probably could have done more, but standing by as they tried to find their way together seemed the right thing to do.
I can only imagine the stress that avoiding your friend has likely put on you. Know that you are in my prayers as you “do the awkward” and reach out to her. I’m sure she will appreciate your presence more than anything!