The other day I was pumping gas when I heard some very colorful language coming from two men nearby. I think that people should be free to passionately express themselves, but not to the detriment of others. I am not surprised to how I react to such situations. Since my teenage years, it has been difficult for me to remain silent when I see people behaving in ways that can potentially harm others.
A boldness comes over me when I am faced with situations like these, and I must speak out. In the case of the two men at the gas station they looked at me in total bewilderment when I pointed out that their language was inappropriate and offensive. When they saw that I was not backing down, they apologized, for which I immediately thanked them. It was not in rage that I knew I must speak out, but because when encounters like these are not addressed, they only become deeper entrenched in our society.
I know that many times these encounters do not end well. Sometimes my interference is enough to put fuel on an already lit fire, and there is further retaliation that is directed at me, but even during these occasions I will not be silent. When I see bullying going on, I will step in, and when I hear words that are inflammatory, especially towards women and children, I will step in.
Yesterday I met a mother and her little child, who at only 13 pounds was beautiful to behold. I thought of him when I wrote this post. His parents were told that this heart condition would lead to an early death, and yet with a mother who believes in speaking words of life over her child, I felt the responsibility that we should all feel for children. The desire to protect them from evil and surround them with a world where they will flourish in spirit, soul, and body. I certainly believe this is part of our purpose here on earth, as we protect and guard what is precious to our God ordained existence.
Matthew 18:6 CSB “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believes in me to fall away-it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he was drowned in the depths of the sea.”
James 3:9 NIV With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.