Between Shouting and Silence
How thoughts of God shape my actions when it comes to shouting and silence
I have always thought we are here on this earth to love and care for one another and all of God’s creation. Sometimes that requires shouting to try to stop injustice and sometimes that requires silence in meditation or prayer to regroup and find the will to carry on with all that is necessary in between those two extremes. It is in that very “in between” where there is the opportunity to act and do good.
In my thinking we all are children of God. If I look carefully at someone else, I can generally see that family resemblance in the love within. As a result, I see/find God in and through others and all creation. But that love is not always evident. Sometimes it is masked by evil or hatred that obscures it. But I know it is there and that is as close as I come to loving my enemies. Sometimes in silence I pray the latter will have a “road to Damascus” encounter as Paul did.
I am a reluctant speaker, preferring to write as my pressure relief valve when I feel moved to do so. I write letters to the editor, to politicians, and to friends. When I feel like my blood is boiling about something that is going on that I think is wrong, unfair or needs change, writing a letter about it is my way of shouting. I hope my letters along with others will help bring about change. I also write letters of thanks and praise when there is something that someone does that is courageous or exceptional. There is a time and a place for both.
If you are ever down and depressed, you can lift your mood by doing something nice for someone even by a random act of kindness or in silence by counting your blessings. Anger and feelings of injustice can be lessened by writing constructive letters of criticism. It is therapeutic for me.
Prayer: God help me to SHOUT against injustice, pray in gratitude and petition in SILENCE, and in between ACT in accordance with your will. Amen
Dorothy Northey