plugging ears ...

Matthew 5

I was viewing a social experiment where a group of guys would have to get rid of one. The Loud-Mouth was at it again tearing verbally at the Quiet-Guy. Calling him a girl and yelling about how the Quiet-Guy couldn't stand up and defind himself. It was horrid watching the last match. All the other guys faces were of disbelief as the Loud-Mouth continue to cut and hack away on the spirit of the Quiet-Guy. The Quiet-Guy in a last ditch effort did defend himself only when he could get a word in edge wise. To my disgust is not just the Loud-Mouth but all the other Not-Going-to-Say-Anything-or-Defend guys kicked the Quiet-Guy out of their group.

Hot tears and furry. All that matters is how well you can beat on your chest and stand up to others. This isn't just in the workplace but has trickled down to the very relationships you try to keep. My biggest pet peeve is how others even so called friends will put words in your mouth or tell you what to do or how to think or how to feel. These are all traits of the Loud-Mouth. All mouth and no ears.

I have been accused of beating around the bush. I have been accused of not really saying what I meant to say by having the so called 'real answer' put in my mouth. {spit spit} I have been beaten down time and time again by the rudeness of others so much so that I am super sensitive to the abuse. I have tried to use 'I statements' when I do try to stand up for a breaking relationship. What I have gotten back have been 'you statements'.

The meek will inherit the earth. The poor in spirit will have the Kingdom of Heaven. Don't give pearls to pigs. Guard your wellspring. Whew! Is it so hard to stop and listen? especially to the Quiet-Guy or the Quiet-Girl? They just might have something pretty special to share with you. They might have an interesting story. They might stand firm when others flee.

They seem weak. They seem to give up the fight. They seem useless. Maybe they are the strong ones because they have lived alone and are not afraid. It is said that they will inherit the earth. Maybe they aren't giving up the fight, maybe they are using their head and know it isn't worth it. Maybe they are the most valueable. It is said they will have the Kingdom of Heaven.

Have I been loud? Have I used a 'you statement'? Have I let my fire get the best of my tongue? Do I move away and be quiet? or do I stay and fight with all the 'I statements'? How do you stand up for yourself and listen too? Isn't it contradictory?

I am back to square one. I am just trying to find the boundaries. I am trying to find the right and the wrongs. No clue. I have failed over and over because when you push a Quiet too far, the Loud will come out most hateful. It is a very delicate balance. No wonder they will back away trying to leave everything peaceful instead of raging...