We often hear the silence when we speak of something we do or don’t believe, to others who think differently. And they hear our silence when they speak of their beliefs. That awkward silence can be deafening...
It IS NOT unusual for us to want to distance ourselves from one’s who disagree with us, but it IS unusual to respectively discuss our differences with each other. Often to keep from having a heated argument we sit in silence.
When we face that awkward silence, after hearing other’s thoughts that may be logical, untrue, disrespectful, or even intentionally hurtful to us or others, we often either want to lash out or to sit silently. I dislike those awkward silences, and am certain many others do as well.
It is normal for us to see each other and categorize or profile them, either mentally or verbally:
Some look like me, some don’t.
Some dress like me, some don’t.
Some act like me, some don’t.
Some talk like me, some don’t.
Some believe like me, some don’t.
Some have the same accent as me, some don’t.
Some are from the same continent, country, state, city, community, school, or church as me, some aren’t.
Some have the same complexion, the same features, or the same hair color as me, some don’t.
Whatever our differences, they can cause us to have uncomfortable silences...
Many of us have ones we love who think differently than we do as well, but we continue to love through those differences.
If, instead of distancing ourselves, we recognize and embrace what we have in common, then discuss our differences. Instead of hate, we can Love Beyond the Silence. But how do we start?
When I smile at the elderly person, they smile back. When I smile at a child, they smile back. When I smile at someone who is big or little, pretty or ugly, from the USA or another country, generally they smile back. I believe a smile can be a tiny bit of love we can give to everyone.
A smile helps to ease an awkward silence. It helps soothe an angered spirit. A smile helps bridge a gap when we can’t understand each other’s language, beliefs, or cultures. No, a smile is not the answer to all of our problems, but it is a step in Loving Beyond the Silence.
