"Shh!"
"Shh!" Just seeing that word conjures up one of my favorite cartoons. In it, the cartoonist portrays a traffic jam. Drivers raise fists and HONK out of anger and frustration. Still, nobody's going anywhere. But among the cars is a book mobile. The driver looks like the stereotypical librarian. Her hair's in a bun and she's glaring at the noisy drivers. Then she presses her index finger to her lips and says simply, "Shh!"
And that's what I want to do today to all the angry, hateful rhetoric that continues to threaten more than our democracy. By now you've seen the image of former President Trump with bloody ear, first raised, saying, "Fight!" But who, why and with what we fight matters. And yes, I've prayed for our former President, his family, as well as those wounded, killed and all impacted by this horrific act. And I join most Americans who deplore the rise of violence in our country and the use of loaded weapons and words. Words, like weapons, are capable of maiming. But words can be used to mend, as well.
So, as the Republican convention begins tonight, remember Republicans and Democrats are not opposing teams, like the Red Sox versus the Yankees. We are ONE TEAM and it's called The United States of America. At it's best these conventions should help us know what each group believes is best for our country and who best to lead us.
Meanwhile, President Biden and other leaders on both sides of TEAM USA encourage us to tone down the rhetoric. Some, however, still stir the pot. Habits are hard to break. So what do we do today with our words, questions, passions and anxious thoughts? Pause. Pray. Listen. And watch our words around the table. I know the vitriol that's in me and I ask God to help me clean up my act, my words. It is why I love and need Sundays and Church. That day is the day I hit PAUSE. Even though I've quoted her before, some things bear repeating. I love and need this reminder from Anne Lamott, "Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you."
And Anne reminds me that three of her favorite prayers are mine, too.
HELP!
THANKS!
And WOW!
In the end, I give the edge to THANKS and WOW.
How about you?
11 Comments
Jan, You hit it oh the head again,,,,, You have so many home runs now!!! The tirades, blame and hate has to stop.... I go on to FB and see it everywhere...... Just give me the song of a bird, the smell and sound of the ocean.... Not that we should bury our heads in the sand, but we need to bring peace. "Blessed are the peacemakers... for their's is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Thanks, dear Shelly, for the reminder that we are called to be peacemakers. Unlike you, I don't go on Facebook. But, like you, I take comfort and joy from nature, especially the sight and smell of the ocean. Unless, there's a nor'easter. Then, I take cover and pray!
Yes, unity amidst opposing thoughts. This reminds me of Miracle the movie when the coach makes the players skate until one member says that he plays for the USA instead of their individual teams.
Great illustration, dear Alyssa. Unity is hard but not impossible. It helps to see the other person as someone Jesus loves.
and speaking of love, I do love you and Andrew and I enjoy hearing from you. Hope it's cooler in Utah.
Thanks Jan
One thought about our words is to own them (e.g., "let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me,") Blessings, Dale
Yes, it is important to own our words, my friend Dale. Too often I wish I could hit delete on things I've said. Peace is hard to come by but I pray for the Prince of Peace to guide me to use words, written and spoken, to build bridges and to encourage. Thanks for helping me.
What an important message, Jan. Words have become so weaponized in this country that it's come to seem normal, when it's anything but! Having lived in another country for three months this spring (you can guess which one), we are all the more aware that this fragile democratic experiment we call America is seriously threatened. As you urge us, may we use our words to mend and not maim!
As an author and speaker, dear Maggie, you are well aware of the power of words. Thank you for using yours to bless and encourage many. It's a daily choice to mend or maim with our words. I think often of the poem my NORWEGIAN grandmother taught me. It begins, "Boys flying kites haul in their white-winged birds. You can't do that when you're flying words."
So good Jan! Thank you for using your words to mend with this blog. <3
Thanks always, dear Wendy, for your encouragement. It mends me sometimes when I'm discouraged.
❤️