A lot of words have been spoken in the last couple weeks.
Online. News outlets. Entertainment digests.
Words about people with hearts and souls who are also very public and visible.
The words reflect opinions and values and life experiences about things that matter deeply to many. So much emotion.
Many of the words have been respectful and life-affirming.
Some of them – too many of them – angry and ugly and judgmental.
On all sides of the different topics of today.
Sigh.
It’s made me sad.
You too?
We are not called to agree on everything.
We should not remain silent when we feel strongly about something.
Conversations matter.
But our freedom of speech brings responsibility with it.
I’m wondering if we could share our thoughts and opinions and beliefs and experiences in ways that encourage and support conversation and listening. In ways that signal that the other’s voice matters—even when we disagree.
We can stand for what we believe without apology…
…without the fighting words…
…without shredding the people who are the focus of our conversations.
If, in anyway, I belittle those who I am called to serve…
if I can easily discuss the shortcomings or the sins of any man or woman…
then I know nothing of Calvary’s love.
— Amy Carmichael, Missionary and Jesus Follower
Yeah.
That’s what’s on my heart today.
