Quiet Yourself

I stared at the countless sentences circled in red ink all over the paper, and my eyes filled with tears. The D+ grade at the top of the page glared at me with condemnation. I felt defeated, and it was only my first college journalism assignment. My Penn State professor, known for his strict adherence to ethical standards, wrote a message at the bottom of the page, “Your reporting should never include your opinions, only the facts.” I felt like I was punched in my stomach. Journalism was my major, and writing was my delight! Did I make a mistake? Was I a horrible writer? Should I change my major? Should I quit college? My heart was crushed.

More than 30 years later, I remember that moment as if it were yesterday. I remember the grave pool of disillusionment I waded into after I received my paper. After one horrible grade, I questioned my life passion and career. Yet, somehow I tried again. Long story shortened, I stuck with writing, graduated with a journalism degree, worked in television news for a short time, and even had a few articles published. Now I’m venturing out again writing this blog. One poorly written paper didn’t stop me; instead it woke me up. It stirred me and provoked awareness of how I needed to write differently. It was my impetus for change. That failing paper was one of the strongest motivators for me to write more and write better.

One morning while reading the Bible, a scripture called my heart to attention. In Proverbs 18:2 Solomon says, “A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart.” This word shined a spotlight on my latest conversations. Perhaps I should call them my most recent failures!  What about the times I shared my own beliefs or opinions because I just wanted to vent or prove a point? How about the times I just blurted out my advice before fully listening? Or the times I get angry and say things I later regret? Looking at my Bible, another scripture nearby confirmed my convictions. Proverbs 17:27-28 reads “He who has knowledge spares his words and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips ,he is considered perceptive.”

I heard the Holy Spirit say to my heart, “Shhhhh.” Sparing my words and having a calm spirit spoke loudly to me. It wasn’t a voice of condemnation, but it was a firm tug to move in a different direction. I felt the disappointment of displeasing the One who knew every sinful word I spoke, but loved me anyhow. I was awakened to my need to change, and I understood He was faithfully discipling me through scripture. Gratitude for His guidance filled my heart. Repentance came; I chose to make a u-turn.

Today the way we communicate has dramatically changed since I attended college. With the internet, we now have so many options! Even print and television journalism have significantly changed. No longer are opinions unwelcome. In fact, they are what attracts more viewers and increases the ratings! Because we have more opportunities to communicate to even more people, we also have more opportunities to sin with our words. With all the difficult problems we’ve encountered this year individually and as a nation, we have a choice to speak life or death.

When we are being bombarded with words that produce death, we can become numb and conform easily to the world. Complaining, arguing, belittling, and shaming others can become commonplace if we aren’t careful. As disciples, God is calling us to read and meditate more on the red ink of His Word! Where we’ve failed with our words, He doesn’t condemn us. He forgives us as we confess that sin to Him and ask Him for help. Sparing our words does not mean we must be silent. It simply means we need to choose carefully what we speak, when we speak, and how we speak. But we may need to indeed quiet ourselves and sit at His feet so we can be transformed in His Presence. Will you be still and allow His Word to change you?