(aka: When in doubt, don’t blurt it out.)
There’s this thing I’m learning–slowly, stubbornly–that silence can actually be holy. Not awkward. Not passive. Not weak. Just… quietly powerful.
And I’ll be honest with you: I haven’t always been great at it.
Ever let an errant thought slip out that you immediately wanted to reel back in like a rogue balloon at a toddler’s birthday party? Yeah. Same.
I’d love to say I’ve never entertained less-than-charitable thoughts about people–but that would be dishonest. Shocker: I’m human. People can irritate me or get on my nerves and sometimes I don’t even know why? (but that’s a whole different blog)
But what I’ve realized over time is this:
-Not every thought needs to be shared.
-Not every person is a safe person to share it with.
-And not clapping back? Sometimes it’s a spiritual discipline–not just a social one.
Let me explain..
🥴 The Drunk Neighbor and the Moment of Clarity
A while back, I was at a party at a close friend’s house. You know, a casual backyard thing–easy vibes, lots of laughter. I felt relatively safe there. I’d shared a lot of my life with this friend. As in, deep-heart felt stuff. The kind of stuff you don’t throw around lightly.
Thoughts. Dreams. Fears.
And then one of her neighbors sat down next to me. Let’s just say she was… a little past tipsy. (Okay, she was hammered.)
And right there, in the middle of the party, she started giving me unsolicited relationship advice–based on every personal detail I’d ever told my friend. Not vague stuff. She knew things. Things I’d never said out loud to anyone but my friend.
Cue that sick to your stomach stomach feeling.
In one sad, uncomfortable moment, it all clicked:
-My friend wasn’t a safe space.
-My story had become someone else’s narrative.
-And gossip? Yeah–it doesn’t need a microphone to burn everything down.
🕊️ Jesus Didn’t Always Use Words
One of the most powerful examples of holy silence in the Bible? Jesus before Pilate.
“But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge–to the great amazement of the governor.”
– Matthew 27:14
He was accused. Mocked. Misunderstood.
He had every right to speak up, to defend Himself, to lay it all out.
And He chose silence.
Not because He was weak. But because He focused on the end game and a higher goal. His silence wasn’t passive–it was intentional.
And if Jesus could stay quiet in the face of false accusations… maybe I can hold my tongue when I’m tempted to vent in the group chat.
Why We Always Feel the Need to Fill the Space
If you’re anything like me, silence can feel… uncomfortable. Like you’re letting something slide or giving up ground. But most of the time, when we feel like we have to speak, it’s coming from a place of:
- Wanting to be understood
- Wanting to be right
- Wanting to protect our image
- Feeling awkward
- Or just needing to fill the space
But the older I get, the more I’m learning this:
Just because you can say something doesn’t mean you should.
🧠 A Simple Challenge for Today: The 3-Second Rule
Before you respond–pause for 3 full seconds.
Ask yourself:
- Is this true?
- Is it necessary?
- Is it kind?
- Will I regret saying this later?
- Would I want this shared at a party by a tipsy neighbor?
If you’re unsure? Choose the hush. Let the Holy Spirit say what you almost did.
🙏 A Prayer for Day 2
Lord, teach me the beauty of silence.
Remind me that wisdom doesn’t always need words.
Help me to resist the urge to explain, defend, or control how I’m perceived.
Give me discernment to know when to speak–and grace to stay silent when silence is sacred.
Heal the places in me that feel like I have to say something to prove I matter.
I want to be known for peace, not noise.
Amen.
💡 Reflect & Reset
- Has silence ever saved you from regret?
- Who are your safe people–the ones you can actually trust with your story?
- Have you ever gone public with something that maybe… should’ve stayed sacred?
Coming Up: Day 3 – “The Mouth Mirrors the Heart”
(It’s not just about words–it’s about what’s simmering under the surface.)
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