One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent!” Acts 18:9 (NLT)
It’s easier to stay silent when our opinion is unpopular.
Years ago, while working as a paramedic, I was sitting in the hospital cafeteria with several other emergency personnel and hospital staff. We had just dealt with three recent suicides, and the conversation began to turn to how taking your own life took courage and required great strength. I sat and listened for a while, but I finally couldn’t remain silent. I said, “I see where you guys are coming from, but I respectfully disagree. I understand that someone who is considering taking their own life is facing incredible pain, but I see better options.”
Not everyone agreed with my stance, but I refused to glorify suicide. I saw better alternatives for my friends going through a devastating situation, or heartbreaking mental health issue. I wanted to encourage more courageous choices like seeking counselling, accepting treatment, and choosing to get through dark times. I celebrate refusing to give up and choosing to get through those dark days by receiving help. It’s these choices that enable spouses to grow old together and ensure their kids have them around while they’re growing up.
Years later, someone sitting in on that conversation told me how grateful they were that I’d spoken up because of what they had been going through personally. The fact that I refused to stay silent—even when it would have been far easier to—saved that man’s life!
Offence, fear and embarrassment are not reason enough to stay silent. Sometimes there is more on the line than you know. Let’s find ways to speak up respectfully, without compromise and share the truth in love!