Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
Good Morning Sweet Soul,
I have been known for my booming voice in the classroom or from the pulpit. Microphone not working, stressful for some, not for me. My voice carries. What you might not know about me is that I hate conflict and angry arguments. In my childhood, my favorite place was my bedroom closet where I would often retreat from loud shouting matches between my parents. Dad would raise his voice and mom would raise her voice louder. The situation would escalate and most often the declared winner would be the one who shouted the loudest and longest. Therefore, it is probably no coincidence that I married a strong, silent type.
In our marriage we have disagreements as all couples do, but we do not fight. In our first year of marriage I betrayed a secret I had been asked to keep for a very good reason. This was the first time I had ever seen Jim angry. And he wanted so badly to say something mean and that simply is not his nature at all. So, in a somewhat raised voice, at least for him, he said, “You, you, you old hen.” That was as mean as he would go. And then we both burst out laughing because I was the ripe old age of twenty-one.
In marriage, parenting, friendships, heck, even with strangers there are scenarios that trigger our emotions and cause anger. I find it is important to voice your opinion and defend your point of view. But if you raise your voice and they raise their voice, the real issues become secondary to who can shout the loudest. I love the Message Bible interpretation of the above scripture, “Fools are leaky faucets, dripping nonsense… Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim.” Let’s you and I choose our words carefully this week and always. Let us pray for peace to reign supreme in our homes and in our nation.
Linda