What Would You Do?

"Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;" Proverbs 2:11-12

There is a TV Show called, What Would You Do? It's a show that uses actors to stage ethical dilemmas in public to see how bystanders react.  I was put in that situation yesterday morning.  I had walked into the Office of my local Post Office to retrieve a package where I found myself standing behind a man who stood at least 6'4 and was belligerently bullying our Postmaster.  I couldn't believe that I was witnessing such behavior and listening to such hate speech.  I don't know how long this had been going on before I had gotten there, but it continued for an additional five minutes or longer.  As I listened to his complaint and the calm soft answers from our Postmaster, I began to pray.  "Lord, should I step in and say something, or will this man, knowing that I'm standing behind him in line, feel ashamed enough to stop ranting and leave?" As I prayed, another man entered into the Office.  As this bully in front of me continued to belittle, accuse and shame our Postmaster, I turned to the man behind me and looked at him with a questioning look, "What should we do?"  By that time, this man's complaint had now turned into threats.  As I began to open my mouth, our Postmaster said, "And on that note I will ask you to leave."  This bully left the Office but not silently.  I was stunned.  As I approached the counter and our Postmaster turned to retrieve my packages, I told her how sorry I was that she had to endure all of that.  She began to cry.  I immediately walked behind the counter and hugged her until she finished crying. (that is a benefit of living in a small town) I told her that she handled this man with kindness and professionalism that he did not deserve and told her that she needed to write an Incident Report concerning this situation immediately.  As I was leaving, she assured me that she would and that she was OK.

I knew the Lord answered my prayer to remain quiet during battle, and to speak words of comfort in the brokenness.  There have been times in the past when I have spoken up in the battle, and there will be times in the future I will be prompted by the Lord to speak up as well, but yesterday, I was to remain silent.  

Ecclesiastes 3:7b says, "...a time to keep silence, and a time to speak."

Discernment and discretion are needed in the battle...

    Make sure you know when to keep silent, and when to speak...

        It will make a difference in the outcome...

            But that's just me!

"Silence is not weakness, it is wisdom at rest." Amish Proverb