To speak or not to speak

So there’s no shortage of pontificating going on in the the web-iverse these days (I think I just made up that word, but we’ll go with it.) I myself wrestle almost daily with when to speak and when to be silent. Measured words are wisdom. But isn’t silence golden, after all?

That depends on what you’re talking about. Shutting out noise is good. Shutting out lies, even better.

But tell me, when is Truth silent?

Truth be told, it never is. It is always speaking, and sometimes, it uses words. It speaks to the hearts of men. It speaks in nature and in whispers. It speaks in books and music and art. It speaks in many ways, everywhere.

Sometimes Truth speaks through your life. Sometimes it needs your words, too. So use them today, and every day, well.

It makes me think of one of my favorite children’s books, Frederick. Frederick is a tiny mouse who, with his family, is supposed to be preparing for winter. While they are collecting seeds, nuts, and hay, he appears to be daydreaming. When winter finds them all shivering, alone, and wanting together, they turn to Frederick. He had been busy collecting sunshine and warmth, words to bring them love and courage when they needed it most.

What have you been collecting? Maybe it’s time to share that warmth and that light with the world. Especially if it’s anchored in love and tethered with grace.

Always listen for truth. Live it at all times, and speak it when necessary.

You are responsible for what you say and what you do. You are also responsible for what you don’t. Make sure your words and silence are both meaningful and important, motivated by love. Then, don’t be stingy. The world needs the warmth you’ve been collecting.

And if you’re worried about getting it wrong, don’t be. If what you thought to be true doesn’t stand up in the light of day, real Truth never condemns. It always sets you free. That’s part of the whole process.

May we ever be ever-guided by Truth and Love together. Go love the world like you’re supposed to today, and always. It gets a bit dark when you’re not fully you.