‘Tis the season. The political arguments have begun, or rather, have merely continued. The election season conflicts of four years ago never ended. How can Christian writers help to keep peace in a fiercely divided nation mid-pandemic and racial conflict? Therein lies the rub.
If you’re active on social media or you have an extended family, you know that even Christians are starkly divided on many issues inherent in this year’s election. And yet, we are not allowed to remain entrenched in combative stances, for we are followers of Christ. God’s Word says . . .
“Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God…If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” (James 1:19b-20, 26)
A deep breath. A silent prayer. A determination to listen in silence, to hold back the tongue.
These three powerful tools allow us time to consider what is behind the words of the other, to quiet our own emotions, and to settle upon a calm reply.
Still, things can get out of hand quickly! Suddenly emotions engage, and we find ourselves speaking before we intended or pushing into an explosive situation.
What are the warning signs?
A rant by the other, displaying no desire to understand opposing opinions, expressing hatred toward all who believe differently. They have long-held prejudices. They’re angry with all who hold opposing viewpoints.
These indicate that a conversation might be entirely futile. Might be. As we sit in silence, listening to the tirade, we pray, attempting to determine if there is space for other viewpoints or words. If we speak, we may be wasting our time and adding fuel to the fire. Walking away might be our best option, unless the Lord leads otherwise.
Sometimes, for the good of the other, we must speak even in these situations, even if the other doesn’t like what we have to say. Positions of hatred harm the hater as much as those who are hated. Hating anyone is outside the bounds of Christian life. And yet, we all have hated and can feel hatred, even toward people we love, so we can relate.
It may be our obligation to speak in an attempt to help one who is filled with hatred to consider the other side and the reasons behind the actions of the other. Maybe they simply need encouragement. When the Holy Spirit opens this door, we walk through it, even when there may be will be backlash. The Lord intends us to speak when called.
“..Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” (Ephesians 4:15-16 ESV)
When craftiness and human deceit have built a lie, we speak the truth in love as the Lord leads, even if speaking causes a reaction. Sometimes the truth must be stated in the defense of those Jesus listed in the parable of the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46): the needy, the stranger/foreigner, the naked/homeless/trafficked/enslaved, the sick, and the imprisoned.
Even in this topsy-turvy political climate, with strife and disagreement swirling, we must write the truth when the time is right and when the Lord leads, no matter the pushback.
Do not be afraid. Write.
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4 ESV)
How can Christian writers help to keep peace in a fiercely divided nation mid-pandemic and racial conflict? Therein lies the rub. #seriouslywrite #writingcommunity via @MelindaVInman
Three powerful tools allow us time to consider what is behind the words of another, to quiet our own emotions, and to settle upon a calm reply. #encouragementforwriters #seriouslywrite via @MelindaVInman
Even in this topsy-turvy political climate, with strife and disagreement swirling, we must write the truth when the time is right and when the Lord leads, no matter the pushback. #seriouslywrite #writingcommunity via @MelindaVInman
The Shadows Come
Sequel to No Longer Alone
(WW1 Based on a True Story)
Germany threatens all of Europe. Millions have died. President Woodrow Wilson makes the declaration that the United States must enter the Great War to rescue our allies. Congress approves. Our story begins. In America’s heartland, everyone hunkers down to provide food for the world and resources for the war effort. A draft is necessary, and all young men must register. One by one, these are called to war. With this threat looming, Prentis and Avery raise the necessary horsepower, cultivate the needed crops, and contribute their labors to the Red Cross.
But crises at home, an insidious busybody, and one after another called up to fight in Europe bring the greatest dangers they’ve ever faced together. Then there’s the influenza pandemic. Will they survive the war abroad and the war being waged at home, threatening their love and their lives? Will their loved ones make it home again?
Raised on the Oklahoma plains in a storytelling family, Melinda now spins tales from her writer’s cave in the South. Her fiction illustrates our human story, wrestling with our brokenness and the storms that wreak havoc in our lives.
Connections:
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MelindaVInman/
Website: https://melindainman.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelindaVInman
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/melindavinman/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00GFYI0RU
Germany threatens all of Europe. Millions have died. President Woodrow Wilson makes the declaration that the United States must enter the Great War to rescue our allies. Congress approves. Our story begins. In America’s heartland, everyone hunkers down to provide food for the world and resources for the war effort. A draft is necessary, and all young men must register. One by one, these are called to war. With this threat looming, Prentis and Avery raise the necessary horsepower, cultivate the needed crops, and contribute their labors to the Red Cross.
But crises at home, an insidious busybody, and one after another called up to fight in Europe bring the greatest dangers they’ve ever faced together. Then there’s the influenza pandemic. Will they survive the war abroad and the war being waged at home, threatening their love and their lives? Will their loved ones make it home again?
Raised on the Oklahoma plains in a storytelling family, Melinda now spins tales from her writer’s cave in the South. Her fiction illustrates our human story, wrestling with our brokenness and the storms that wreak havoc in our lives.
Connections:
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MelindaVInman/
Website: https://melindainman.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelindaVInman
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/melindavinman/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00GFYI0RU
