To speak or not to speak, that is the question.
Well, at least that is the question for me and the first thing that popped in my mind when I saw the writing prompt for #livefree Thursday.
You see we are in the middle of studying our words over here at Faithfully Following using Karen Ehman’s book, Keep It Shut and the scriptures. Truth be told it’s a messy topic. Our toes are aching from all the stomping. And I’m finding that just as there are times that I am better not to speak, there are times when I need to speak. And this is where being brave comes into the equation.
Can I give an example? One day while out on a walk with a great group of gals the conversation went from pleasant to poison. The words being spoken were clearly going from informative to gossip. My heart was saying, speak up! Just simply say, Hey girls, let’s change the topic, this is starting to turn into gossip.
But I wasn’t brave enough to let the words slip from my mouth.
What would they think?
Would they ever invite me again?
Gossip. It destroys. It hurts. It causes harm.
On that day when I wanted to be brave and speak out I chose to keep it shut at the wrong time. There was no need for a harsh reprimand, just a gentle reminder that our conversation had blown off course. While I didn’t add any words to the conversation I was doing more harm than good by keeping it shut.
And when I read a part of a prayer shared in Karen’s book I realized that there are times I need God to help me be brave.
May I be brave enough to speak when I would rather run away.
(Keep It Shut, Karen Ehman, Page 20)
I need to be brave and I need sisters who are brave.
I recall a time when I was headed down the wrong path. I was headed straight to destruction. I needed a friend to gently redirect me. Instead I was encouraged to proceed in the wrong direction. Now, I’m not blaming anyone for my own mistake. I take ownership. But there are times when we must be brave and share the truth. There are times we need someone to share the truth in love with us.
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you”
Matthew 18:15
There are times when we need to take a deep breath and be brave enough to speak truth in love.
And see that part, “just between the two of you”. Don’t leave that part out. That makes our words sweet and filled with life!
Brave.
I want to be brave.
Do you want to be brave? Leave a comment and tell me, we would love to pray for you!
I’ve jumped off ledges on high ropes courses. I’ve done treacherous white water rafting. Jumped from huge boulders into rivers. Stood on stages to proclaim the love of Christ.
May I be brave enough to speak up when I would rather run away!
Jodie
Suzie is talking about mercy today and we are talking about “brave”. Grab some coffee and join us around the table…We are linking with Suzie Eller and other beautiful ladies for Live Free Thursday! http://tsuzanneeller.com/
This is a powerful message because it’s something I struggle with. I never want to make anyone uncomfortable so I refuse to be brave and speak up, often when I finally do it comes without grace. Your words are inspiring!
Kaylie,
I understand completely! I am improving in speaking with love and encouragement but finding it’s partly because sometime I just avoid the uncomfortable. I avoid standing up for what is right. I want to be brave, for me and for others. No lashing out and acting as if I don’t mess up myself. Just gently speaking up when I feel that prompting from God that says, “say something for the one who cannot”. Thank you for coming by! You inspired me by being here!
Jodie…even though you weren’t brave in the moment, you are brave here sharing your story in this post. May it inspire many to keep saying what MUST be said — truth in LOVE — and knowing when to ZIP IT!! #LiveFreeThursday
Thank you Shelia! I so enjoy the exchange of words to #livefree by with all the beautiful women who share! It’s good to encourage each other, right?!
Yup, it’s a prayer of mine. I know many who actually know me will find it shocking that more often than not I keep it zipped. It is very few people that I feel comfortable enough with to truly speak up at any time. I have been in so many situations like the 1 you described and every time I don’t say, let’s move on, or actively work to change the subject, I feel bad about it. I don’t because I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings or make them feel judged, but in the end, I feel bad and like I’ve disappointed the person that was being run down/talked about, myself, and God. Definitely have to pray on that for me too! Stupid brave is, well, stupid, but God brave is a good thing!
God Brave is a good think Kimberly! We can all be praying together!
The one thing that I’ve learned over the last 6 months is to always speak up and be honest, I’ve been stabbed in the back so many times by people who just couldn’t be honest with me. They claim they never wanted to hurt me, but yet once I find out that they never said anything I think that causes even more damage. I don’t ever want to treat someone else like that….period!
Abby, I find it very helpful to discuss this ahead of time with my close friends. Give one another permission to discuss the difficult with love and without a huge fallout. Predetermine that you will not let things build too far without discussing them in love. It saves a lot of heartache. I’m so glad you shared your heart with us! Always good to see you here engaging!