Me: I just have to say it.
Him: No, you don’t.
Me: I can’t help but say it.
Him: Do you have free will?
Me: Yes.
Him: Then you can choose not to say it.
Me: It must be said.
Him: Would you be stating the obvious?
Me: Yes.
Him: Then why is it necessary to say it?
Me: Because I want to tell the truth.
Him: And show everyone you know what is right?
Me: Yes.
Him: And if someone disagrees with you, it means they are wrong?
Me: Yes, about this they are. They’re wrong about alot of other things, too.
Him: How do you feel when you deeply believe something and someone speaks their mind and tells you that you are wrong?
Me: I get mad.
Him: And you dislike them? Or even hate them?
Me: Sometimes I do.
Him: What does your hatred do to them?
Me: It lets them know I hate them.
Him: Do you think they care?
Me: Sometimes they do.
Him: Which means sometimes they don’t. Whether they care or not, can you control them or change their behavior or opinion by hating them?
Me: No. I wish I could.
Him: Does that anger you even more? And make you hate them even more?
Me: Yes.
Him: What does your hatred do to you?
Me: I rant and rave (or seethe silently) until my stomach hurts, and my head hurts, and I’m exhausted. And sometimes my chest hurts and it’s hard to breathe. I get scared because I think I’m having a heart attack or a stroke.
Him: What does hatred do to your emotions and spirit?
Me: I sometimes say ugly things to someone not connected to the people I hate, and hurt them. Then I hate myself because I’ve hurt someone I consider to be innocent.
Him: What else?
Me: I feel guilty and condemned. And I isolate from people because I don’t want to hurt anyone else. Then I really feel all alone, and get more scared that I’ll need help and nobody will help me.
Him: So do you still need, or even want, to say it?
Me: Sometimes the anger is justified.
Him: True. But the effect on you and others is still the same. Tell you what, why don’t you leave it to Me? I’m big enough to handle it and take care of it.
Me: I need to tell someone my thoughts and feelings. And what I have to say is important.
Him: You can tell me anything, any time.
Me: You know what I’m thinking anyway. I guess it won’t be a surprise to You.
Him: No, no surprises. And guess what?
Me: What?
Him: I’ll still love you as much as I always have. You’re Mine. And I want you to choose to reflect Me to the world. And you know what else?
Me: What?
Him: I’ll help you say what I want you to say in a way that doesn’t harm others or you.
Me: Well…
Him: So. Do you still need, or even want to say what you wanted to say at the beginning of this conversation? Out loud, or on social media, or to anyone but Me?
Me: Maybe a tiny bit. But when I acknowledge the consequences, not really.
Him: There is something I would like you to say. I’ll even help you say it. Will you do that?
Me: Yes.
Him: Will you pray for them because I want them to know Me and know I love them?
Me: Just like You want me to know You and know that You love me.
Him: Yes.
Me: The context is different, but it seems to apply. Is it okay if I pray Colossians 1:9-14?
Him: Yes, I always use My Word for good.
Me: Quoting Colossians 1:9-14 (NIV):
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
What helps you say — or not say — what you feel is necessary?
Can't Help But Say It – What helps you say — or not say — what you feel is necessary? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
Joni
You know me well enough to know I struggle with this. I’ve learned in my long life to think before I open my mouth—most of the time. When I don’t and I just say whatever, that is when I get the stomach aches and the headaches and can’t breathe and wish I didn’t feel so horrible. Bad D. Just bad D!
Yep. Stop and pray. So much better!! For all parties.
Thank you for sharing, Debbie. I appreciate you reading my posts – and tolerating and loving me as I express my opinions! 🙂
Great writing! I was drawn right in. I LOVED it!! ❤️
What helps me not say something?? — I talk to myself in my head and say, “Just don’t say it. It will only cause trouble. STOP! Hold it in.”
And then my stomach hurts, and I feel nauseous, and I feel like I’m having a heart attack, and have to talk myself out of dying… Ha Ha.
Thanks for sharing, Jane. It reminds me I’m like other folks, and have the same issues. 🙂 Praying for you.
Well done, Joni!!! I may not say what I want to say, but I’m thinking it which saves face for me but damages me physically and emotionally. Thank you for praying the Word. Always the best remedy.
Thank you for reading my post and sharing. I appreciate your support, and enjoy your posts as well. Prayers for you.