Only What is Helpful

Our nation is approaching one week from the Newtown, Connecticut shooting that took the lives of 20 children and six staff members of Sandy Hook Elementary School. Funerals are being held and an outpouring of attention descends on the community that wishes to discover a new normal. The town is filled with reporters and camera crews. People have come to share in the sorrow and help in whatever ways possible. Silence may be one of those ways.

 A reaction to this shooting tragedy is a preliminary debate in various media arenas resulting in arguments over what should be done to reduce such tragedies. Informal forums on social media reveal positions and convictions people hold strongly. Words exchanged, tweeted, facebooked and posted have increased tension instead of bringing any form of resolve.

I have often been guilty of being more concerned that I convince the other that I am right instead of being kind. God calls us to a higher standard.

Psalms 19:14
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Ephesians 4:29  Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Silence may be what is most helpful at this moment.

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