Today I read some breaking news.
And didn’t know that I could choose.
To keep my thoughts off printed page.
Instead of typing all my rage.
I really don’t know every fact.
But why should that change how I act.
I’ll write with such authority.
That minds will change, just wait and see.
And so I post my thoughts today.
And can’t believe what others say!
It seems they have opinions too.
Though obviously they can’t be true.
For I alone have got it right.
And what I share is great insight.
How dare anyone disagree.
I know it all, why can’t you see?
But what is this I hear You say?
There really is another way?
To hear some breaking news report.
And not reply, no bold retort?
To listen more and speak much less.
And not add to the ugly mess.
To sit alone and quietly pray.
Would be a wiser choice today!
© 2018 by Tom Lemler
It seems like anything and everything has become fuel for the divisiveness that plagues our nation. It seems like nearly every news story posted on social media brings out people who have to “set the record straight”. The temptation to comment or reply to someone else’s comment is strong and many times it even “feels” like the right thing to do. I know, because I read things that cause every fiber of my being to want to jump right into the fray and “tell it like it is”. Fortunately, it is obvious to me that doing so rarely, if ever, changes anyone’s mind and just adds fuel to an already volatile situation. Yet when those emotions are stirred within me, I do have a choice. And my choice is to seek God and pray. I pray for whatever the news event is. I pray for those who are responding to the event out of their own hurt, anger, pride, or other emotion. I pray for the courage to be still when needed and to act when needed. I pray that God would refine my choices and my words so they are helpful and not hurtful. I pray that I would be mindful of the enemy’s attempts to engage me in a battle that is not mine to fight. I pray for wisdom to always make choices that would honor Christ.
In prayer,
Tom
I’m going to share this with a friend from work… she is struggling to “pick her battles” It is good to seek God’s guidance but we are impatient people!
I think the combination of ease and relative safety that social media has provided for people to “speak their mind” has trained many to believe they ought to always respond, and they often do so immediately while emotions often rule the writing. Knowing when to speak (write) and when to be silent can be a very tricky thing. 🙂