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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: SLIP OF THE TONGUE (01/26/17)
I strive to be an authentic person; open, honest and compassionate. I have tripped myself up numerous times being too open, honest and compassionate. There is a balance that must be achieved like a high wire acrobatic act. Opening the door into my heart and soul takes a healthy dose of discernment. The Bible speaks extensively regarding this subject. I only need to stop the incessant chattering in my brain and listen. Discernment is the by-product of gaining wisdom. That is only accomplished by walking hand in hand with Jesus. I have to be taught to ask the right questions. The teacher speaks with a whisper within my soul most of the time. It normally does not come from a loud, booming voice or millions of useless words.



All words and actions are intentional. It does not have to be thought out or planned. The fragments of our thoughts can slip out and result in various outcomes. Our words should be weighed and measured carefully anticipating the consequences. There are times when things will just jump out of my head, land on my tongue and spit out of my mouth. “Stewardess, bring me a vomit bag please? Sorry, that was unexpected!”



We need to use our pause button. When that first thought comes into our mind, we need to wait just a second or two for the second thought. The second thought, and yes, sometimes the third or fourth, will give an indication if we are speaking out of turn. There are some very basic questions we need to ask ourselves. Is this serving a positive purpose? Is it edifying? Is this the person I should be telling? If the answer is no to any of these questions, we should stop the conversation in its tracks. Eventually, this process will become second nature.



I have a personal antidote to drive the point home. It may seem basic, but proves the fact on how we can be caught up in circumstances. It takes practice to look at the whole picture instead of the small sliver of time we may be engaged in at that moment. For example, workplace acquaintances can become a breeding ground for gossip. What is gossip vs compassion? A coworker and I have a mutual friend who I love very dearly. We were both privy to his circumstances that held deep concern for the both of us. We expressed these concerns to each other. The conversation reached its way to my friend’s ears and it made him very upset because he construed it as gossip. Luckily, we worked our way through the misunderstanding because I had gained his trust throughout our time of friendship. If I had asked myself the essential questions, my answer would have been no to “Is this the person you should be telling?” That would have nipped the whole thing in the bud. I should not have been talking to this person about the situation because she had not earned my trust. She was only an acquaintance who I happened to sit by.



It has a domino effect. My questions I ask myself, the last one being, “Is this person who I should be telling?” should have been no. That resulted in the experience not being positive or edifying. This story would have possibly a more profound effect if I were able to get into specifics. Since I am not able to name names or speak openly only proves my point twofold. It would only have served to reopen a wound and let the world know for the sake of a story.



There is only One that we can speak the words in our minds without fear of repercussions. He already knows what is in our hearts and there are no shocks or surprises. Jesus is our intercessor and He is there to help edify us and make life a positive experience. If we have the slightest inkling that our answer is no to any of the three questions presented, He is the only One we should be talking to for the answers. He should be our first recourse in every situation, good or bad. It is part of learning to walk hand in hand with Him to fine tune our discernment by seeking His wisdom. Truthfully, the three questions and the seeking of His will needs to be addressed with Him. Only then are we ready to move on to the truth of the matter.
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This article has been read 553 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
02/03/17
This is a valuable lesson for us all, and I very much appreciated the three questions. They are quite necessary in these sometimes toxic times.

I think your writing could be tighter; you rephrased, but made the same point a few times. And the anecdote that you used to illustrate your point could have been punched up by using actual dialogue.

Your writing skills are very good; work at making your writing more compelling.
Sherry Brock
02/03/17
Your core message -the three questions- fits the subject matter this week and the points you make are well thought out. It's a wonderful message, however it got a little muddled at times. I suggest you try making your points with as few words as possible, which usually means clear and concise sentences. This remains a hard lesson for me to learn too, but is always successful if I can pull it off. Just stick with it by re-reading & editing yourself as much as possible. Lots of good in your entry. Keep writing.
Dennis Gallemore
02/06/17
Your essay addressed a very important issue. I agree with the other reviewers in that the writing could have been tighter, but that comes with practice. Blessings!
Phillip Cimei
02/07/17
A lot of good information and thought provoking ideas. Thanks. I might suggest that you read the eight points used to judge the challenge writing. It helps me keep focused and concise on my points. You have good writing skills. You will go far. Make the readers want to read what you have to say. Start with a good hook that will make them want to read further. God bless.
Jennifer Liang 
02/08/17
Good job. We have all been in the place where we should stop ourselves before we say something, but don't.

Could have been stronger with examples for each of the questions instead of just one.
C D Swanson 
02/10/17
Congrats!
Blessings~
Teresa Trotter
02/15/17
I see this happening all the time. Good reminder.
Teresa Trotter
02/15/17
I see this happening all the time. Good reminder.