“Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.” - Proverbs 11:12
"A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” - Proverbs 29:11
"The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” - Exodus 14:14
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up… that it may give grace to those who hear.” - Ephesians 4:29
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” - Romans 12:2
Less than four weeks ago, I attended a multi-day women’s conference with friends. The teaching pierced my heart in some ways I hadn’t let it be pierced before. There were nearly 9,000 women in attendance at this venue, which felt overwhelming - but also exciting, knowing so many sisters had come from all over the world to be encouraged and challenged in their faith.
And then just before the last session, I fell on a slippery, wet floor of the convention center bathroom, hitting my head pretty hard against a ceramic sink. It must have sounded pretty awful, with the number of women rushing to my aid. I instantly got a headache from the impact and lay on the ground for a bit while I waited for some of the dizziness to subside.
There is nothing glorious about getting wounded in public. It’s actually quite humiliating, a bit terrifying, and disorienting. One second, I was on task, washing my hands, happy to have snuck in to use the restroom before the crowds descended upon the minimal facilities available. The next, I was sprawled out on a concrete floor with a growing hematoma and a splitting headache.
Fast forward to less than 48 hours ago, when one of our former presidents was sharing his political views with a crowd about the size of the one I was in less than a month ago. People had gathered to support a candidate who represented their ideas about where they feel our country should be going. And instead of falling into a sink, the man who led our nation for four years - and other unassuming members of the crowd - were hit with gunfire.
When it comes to political issues, I tend to keep silent on social platforms. The verses above are the exact reason why; I see a lot of people who “lack sense” as they belittle others, and there sure is no shortage of “full venting of spirit” by fools. Anytime I’m tempted to add my two cents and comment on what’s happening in the political world, I ask if what I’m about to say is going to “give grace to those to hear.” And usually it’s not, resulting in a quick repeat of the backspace button.
But today I’m struggling to keep silent. I’m struggling to trust that I don’t need to fight, because the Lord will do it for me. I’m struggling to stay strong in discernment, when so many things I read are not good, or acceptable, or perfect.
How can we possibly stay encouraged when the division among us is so evident? How can I possibly love two groups of people who hate each other so much?
This morning as I read in the book of John, I was reminded of the disciples’ rage as Jesus was being arrested. In what he believed to be righteous wrath, Peter’s anger led him to cut off the right ear of one of the soldiers (sound familiar?).
But what was Jesus’s response? “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”
This cup, His death on the cross, was a heavy one to drink. When I remind myself of the heaviness Christ took on for us, the events of this weekend feel a little less weighty.
So what do we do with our anger, friends? How can we put the swords in our mouths away and take up our own crosses?
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”
Our minds cannot and will not be renewed by focusing on the temporal, imperfect things here on earth. No political party will save you. Those who take refuge in elephants or donkeys, in the colors of red or blue, in any country’s flag or symbol or anthem will always come up short. Will always be at the mercy of manmade idols and power-hungry politicians. These are not your saviors, my friend.
I refuse to belittle my neighbor by shouting words of unkindness or enacting violence. The loud fools will continue to vent and show their true allegiance, which isn’t to the God of truth and mercy and compassion and repentance and forgiveness. The justice of the cross requires laying aside our humanity and recognizing that we cannot save ourselves. When will we understand that? When will people who say they follow Jesus actually take steps toward holiness?
The road is long and narrow, and it can feel lonely. If you are staying silent and seeking wisdom, be encouraged; you are not alone. God sees you, and your reward is coming. Continue to build others up. Keep giving grace with your words and deeds. Love your neighbor - especially those who believe differently than you. And when necessary, have the boldness to come out of the silence and speak truth to those who claim to follow Christ yet live fully in the world. And then let the Lord do His work.
Today I thank the Lord that my head injury wasn’t more serious. I ended up with a concussion, and a dear friend drove me home. Today I also thank the Lord that our former president wasn’t injured more seriously. We may never understand why the events of Saturday transpired the way they did - why a 20-year old would resort to such extreme measures, why God spared the life of a divisive politician, or why the life of a good, Godly man was not spared in the crowd. We may never know why…
…but we do know WHO is in charge. And we know He is still good. He will never leave us, nor forsake us.
"Surely goodness, surely mercy
Right beside me all my days
And I will dwell in Your house forever
And bless Your Holy Name
And even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil
And even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
You are on my side” - Psalm 23 (Surely Goodness), Shane & Shane
Let’s keep walking through these valleys, friends.
And let’s remember that even in our silence, He fights for us.
Gratitude: There’s a lot to be thankful for, even in the heaviness of the world, and it’s hard to choose just one big thing to be grateful for today. But I think I’ll have to go with: intentionality. Friends who are intentional, who use very specific and well-thought-out words to encourage and uplift are a true gift in this heartbreaking, devastating life. I’ve had a number of dear friends reach out this last month with words of kindness - not asking anything of me, just encouraging. It’s a rarity that I’m truly thankful for. May I strive to be that kind of friend, too.
Appreciations:
1. Ice cream. No, it’s not super healthy, but when you have really hot, muggy days in the Midwest, sometimes it’s necessary.
The local organic farm, Perkins. Every Saturday I go and pick up my CSA veggie share, and almost every week I buy a small tub of their dilly egg salad and a box of fresh oyster mushrooms they stock from a farmer in Chicago. I make my own egg salad at home sometimes, but the convenience of having theirs on hand for a quick lunch - or on hot days when I just don’t want to cook - is very handy. And I know all the ingredients are high quality and nutritious!
fancy egg salad on non-fancy bread + paper plate 3. A really good salad. I attended an upscale fundraiser this weekend, which is a great excuse for getting dressed up. But what I underestimated was the quality of food they’d be serving. The University of Notre Dame’s catering is no joke! This salad was the start of an incredible meal, and I couldn’t get over just how beautiful it was, sitting on the table when we went in to be seated. A fresh, tasty salad on a hot summer evening really hits the spot!
the most elegant wedge salad I’ve ever seen! What are the big and little things you’re grateful for this week, friends?
I’m not exactly sure how to end such a heart-heavy note. Perhaps all that needs to be said has already been said. But if your soul is wrestling with the “now and not yet” and whether to stay quiet or to say something, just remember that there is a time and a place for both. And when we speak, it should always be with the intent to bring others closer to the God who saves. In a world of alienation, may you find safe harbor in the camaraderie of the cross.
I pray your week is filled with delight, even in the valley. He is with you; embrace whatever He has in store for you, dear friend.
Oh friend, your words are a light in the darkness. Thank you for sharing your beautiful heart. I am so proud to call you one of my dearest friends.
Thank you for sharing your heart and pointing to God's word!