I am linking up for Five Minute Friday. The FMF is hosted by Kate Motaung on her blog Heading Home. Today’s prompt is “Speak.” This community is such a gift to me. Today I even got to meet a blog friend in the flesh. What a blessing! We’d love to have you join us on Thursday nights for our Twitter party.
My social media feeds have been filled with people on all sides. My heart is weary at the evil out there. My heart is weary at white supremacy and racism. Last night my friend Jason asked our friends of color what they needed from us (their white friends) as part of our weekly chat #SlateSpeak. This was a time when we, the white people gathered, needed to be quiet and listen to their answers–to understand where they are coming from. It was a time when I needed to listen and not speak.
Yet there are also times when to not speak says more than anything. I’m reminded of a quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.” I’m sorry, but in the face of evil, I must speak. Love must ultimately win! Speaking shows that I won’t let this broken world become even more broken by evil acts.
In all reality, Jesus was all about speaking up and out. Jesus was always choosing sides–most especially the downtrodden and outcast. Jesus spoke out for the woman caught in adultery. Jesus spoke out throughout his time on the earth. Jesus calls us to know when to speak and when not to speak. And when we speak, Jesus calls us to speak life to one another. For in doing so, perhaps the world will become a much better place!
Wow! This could not be a more timely post. It is so hard to determine when to speak and when to listen. Thankfully, Jesus was the greatest speaker and the greatest listener.
What a neat community to be a part of where you can ask honest questions and listen to what is REALLY needed within our community. Thank you for sharing!!
Thank You!
Yes, this world is becoming so full of darkness–but Jesus still has light and life for us to share! Listening to those around us, and speaking up for life is so important. Thanks for sharing good words, and this great song also!
You’re welcome and thanks!
I love this song- I shared it in my post on Tuesday. I think it’s a reminder we all need this week. So true, there is a time to listen and a time to speak and Jesus was the perfect example of both.
Exactly!
Thanks for these encouraging words, Tara. When Jesus calls us to speak, we must. Following His lead is always the wise way, and always leads to more justice and mercy in this world.
Indeed!
Thank you Tara for a post that speaks out. Yes, thank you Jesus for giving us wisdom about when to speak and when to listen. Blessings, Julie
You’re so welcome!
I am weary. I am sick. This world makes no sense to me. I’m grateful that His Spirit is still here, still operating. We don’t have to give up hope, even when it’s just so terribly hard.
I’m right there with you sister!
Yes, we must speak out against evil and listen to those who are oppressed. Great post, Tara!
Blessings to you! xo
Thanks! Blessings to you too!
We must speak up. This is not a time to cower down and hold our tongues. We must walk forward with boldness, with love, compassion and humility. Blessings!
Indeed! Blessings to you too!
Love this! He calls us to speak out for others. Beautiful post!
Thanks
In the end, only love can displace hate. And we have to be the example of love, in words (even when they do not come easy) and actions (even when they are painfully awkward).
We have to tend to the wounded Neo-Nazi, just as much as we tend to the injured Christian.
Andrew,
you are so right!
Ditto!
Yes!
Beautiful, Tara. I’ve got friends on both sides as well and it’s tiring to know when to speak and what to say. 🙂
I love this song as well!
Thank you for your offerings!
Love,
Tammy
(#77 this week)
Thanks!
Well said, Tara. You put into words what I’ve observed too, and didn’t quite know what to say. We must listen, then speak love. Superbly put.
Thank You kindly friend!
So true, Tara! That Bonhoeffer quote is challenging…
Jesus is an interesting example. He was so good at speaking the right things at the right time, but sometimes I find myself reading passages when he walked away or didn’t say much and wonder, “Why?” To speak or not to speak is definitely a challenge!
Im at FMF#90
It is!
My husband came ome the other day having listen to a preacher on the radio. He wrote down a quote that was so profound. He said I need to write on it sometime. I guess I could have done that here.
“Silence is Golden but sometimes it’s yellow.”
I’m at FMF#90
Thanks!
I just have to speak TRUTH.
Truth indeed!
What a powerful quote by Bonhoeffer!
Right?!