Gentle Reader,
All the awesome ladies and all the fantastic dudes. The Twitter party. The discussion about cilantro. (For the record, it’s horrible).
Kate. Five Minute Friday. We: keep.
Go.
I was supposed to post on Monday. It’s my day off, so I have time to think and choose my words carefully. It’s my self-imposed writing schedule, without which I will put off the need to tap the keys because it’s not as “important” as other stuff.
But I couldn’t this week.
I had to keep quiet.
Can’t write when I’m angry.
It was a hard lesson to learn and one I’ve definitely not perfected, but I have been foolish enough in the past to hit “publish” on a post that just didn’t need to see the light of day. I’ve used this blog to get in little jabs at people, little digs. That’s never right, and there have been a couple of times when those punches have been thrown for no reason at all. As in I had the wrong information. As in I made a completely unfounded call.
Yeah.
If I must express emotion in written form, I’ve learned to confine it to my journal, where God alone sees. Then it doesn’t matter if it’s coherent or kind. It doesn’t matter if there are large scribbles between paragraphs. I get to tattle on people and blow off steam. Nobody gets hurt in the process.
Strange thing, this learning to keep quiet while at the same time learning to speak up. I know I touched on this last week, but it’s an unfolding reality for me. Words are powerful – but silence can be equally powerful. Both require wisdom and bravery.
So I’m keeping it in for now. Keeping quiet until the heat fades and I can approach the topic from a place of appropriate passion and godly grace.
Stop.
When God decides that it’s time for you to grow, it doesn’t come easily. So many lessons about silence and speech. And a realization that, while I may not be explosive, I really do have a bad temper. I heard somewhere once that sarcasm is just anger with a smile on. While I love a good zinger, there is some truth to that. Some truth that I need to examine more closely.
Smart lady! I struggle to keep quiet when I should, especially with my loved ones. Horrible, isn’t it?
And cilantro is amazing.
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Oh, I’ve definitely experienced foot-in-mouth syndrome more often than I’d like to admit. And cilantro is NOT amazing, but I love you anyway. 🙂
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“Words are powerful – but silence can be equally powerful. Both require wisdom and bravery.” Wow .. *such* truth there! Great words.
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I’m so thankful that God gives me a lifetime to wrap myself in this truth – and that He pours out grace so freely because I mess up so often!
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Oh… that’s a hard lesson for sure. Learning when to speak and when to keep silent. I’m right there with you, sister, praying for wisdom every time I hit “publish.” May the words of our mouths (or keyboards) and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing to God.
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Amen! I should put that verse on a sticky and leave it on my laptop.
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Oh, I struggle right along with you, my friend! And I, too, find solace in my journal–it’s just between Jesus and me :).
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That’s the best, isn’t it? My perspective almost always changes after I’ve poured it all out before Him. I’ve heard Beth Moore say in several of her studies that it’s perfectly fine to tattle on others to Jesus. He’s the only one that won’t gossip!
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you speak my truth! i have been struggling with this so much. not wanting to put my journal online, so to speak. thanks for your words!
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I’m glad I’m not the only one! We’re in this together. 🙂
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Marie, I believe someone else mentioned this but, WOW what truth to your words: “Words are powerful – but silence can be equally powerful. Both require wisdom and bravery.” A profound statement that EVERYONE should take a moment or two or three, maybe even ten and really ponder. I’ll be praying for you my friend.
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It’s definitely something I need to ponder, Shannon. That’s for sure!
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Knowing when to keep is a lesson I’m learning with you…”Words are powerful” AMEN
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Amen indeed.
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Oh geez, as if this isn’t my inner dialogue this week.
I’ve known to write in my journal, but you’ve written in a way where it all makes. “Nobody gets hurt in the process” ….that is my goal AFTER I’ve made my point. Praying for better…for the both of us!!
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All too often I don’t consider the casualties that can happen when I use my words as weapons. Agreeing with you in prayer!
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It’s an ongoing lesson and struggle of mine… keeping my head and keeping my tongue silent… even the keys as well. Good word and encouragement. Thank you!
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I’m convinced that this is why Christ tells us to take every thought captive. If we bring it to Him then, we stand less chance of the junk making it’s way out of our mouths (or fingers). Definitely something I’m working on!
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Oh my friend… this: “Words are powerful – but silence can be equally powerful. Both require wisdom and bravery.” AMEN!!!
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I’m thankful that God gives us both wisdom and bravery liberally anytime we ask!
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Love your honesty! It’s such a hard lesson to learn – that being quiet instead of regretting the open mouth later! God bless as we all continue to grow in His grace!
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Amen!
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Yes, it is sometimes better to keep quiet, but oh so hard to do!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
visiting from Five Minute Friday linkup
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It’s a hard lesson for sure. Thanks for stopping by!
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