To be a voice of reason

To be a voice of reason

I have always believed it was my place to offer hope and peace to those around me. Not to say I have always been accurate at this. But it seems that it is a more beneficial path to take for myself as well as for those with whom I come in contact. But my first thought is to rain condemnation down on those with whom I disagree. My earnest desire is to express an amazing amount of vile comments directed at those I believe are truly evil in their current opinions and actions.

Does this desire stem from a self-opinion that is arrogant at its core? A belief that I am more pure and of greater intellect than those who hold a different opinion? I dare say that I do not believe them to be ignorant but instead self-deluded and overflowing with hate. Yet my own emotions seem not to vary in the least in comparison to theirs. So who is to say that I am better?

In the board room or any meeting does an expression of contempt ever assist the process? We all know that it doesn't. An emotional barrage of one person over another or even a group fails to accomplish any beneficial goal. Though it does momentarily help us to feel better. But the damage done by the tirade is far greater than any momentary solace.

Lately we have been informed, repeatedly, that all it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing. But does railing at the wall actually accomplish anything? Is this blast of words the opposite of doing nothing? I hardly believe that it is.

If it is indeed my desire to be a voice of hope and perhaps even wisdom then moments, where my mouth drips with vile condemnation, must not be permitted. Instead, I must search for actions that produce peace and bring comfort. Yes, I must stand against evil, though how can be a very difficult issue.

Indeed one must take a stand for what they believe. And there is a place for proper rebuke of what is wrong. But in days like the ones we have seen where hate is the preferred emotional expression, the voice of reason must choose their words very wisely.

So regardless if you are speaking in the office or meeting, or even in the coffee shop, may your voice be strong and bold. But may it also be tempered with thought and grace toward those with whom you have a differing opinion. For it must be our goal to bring wisdom to the conversation and a chance to build bridges with those with whom we have the privilege to interact.

You are the first person you can depend on to bring a solution to the problem you see, even when you have no idea how to solve it. Be the voice of reason. Stand up for what you believe. But may grace be first in your heart so it also might come out

Arrogance might help us feel warm in the cold blast of the night, but I begin to believe that it is a bitter friend.

Blessings