Something to think about…
September 29, 2008“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
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cindyscoffeehouse.blog 
These are powerful words. I know someone who includes this quote with their signature on every email they send. It’s a timely reminder in this political season.
Sharon, I can see why someone would use this quote as a tag line. It’s an important reminder that our opinions and actions DO matter and we need to put them out into the world.
Thank you for the quote! I now realize the importance of speaking up about the truth and not shutting up and letting things flow. I always had a bad habit of not saying what I think especially when I know the other person is wrong. A constant reason why I wouldn’t speak up was because I would end up in a fight between that person if I did tell him or her about the truth. Thanks once again for those very powerful words!
I used to be more like “numbinferno” — keeping my mouth shut to avoid conflict, or because I worried that people wouldn’t like me if I spoke out. And in this election, I have learned, sadly, that some people DON’T like me for speaking my mind, or revealing my real opinion. Those people liked me better when I sat quietly, and smiled, while they expressed their opinions. They liked me better when they believed I agreed with them.
Last week, two “friends” sent me e-mails that stated that Obama is a Muslim AND that he is the “anti-Christ.” As little as two years ago, I would have said nothing and simply ignored that kind of e-mail. This time, I am speaking out, telling these people that I cannot abide by these cruel and un-Christian lies.
Thanks, everyone, for your feedback. I think that, for important issues, it’s important to share our point of view. In the past, my goal was to change people’s minds. But now I content myself with the thought that I’m simply letting others know I don’t think the way they do. If they choose to feel uncomfortable about that, then so be it.
Cindy and numbinferno, I know how you feel about being quiet sometimes with vocal people, trying not to ruffle feathers. But I feel that if we listen politely while others tell us their thoughts and opinions, then they can listen politely while we tell them our thoughts and opinions. Fair is fair. If they can’t treat us fairly, then it’s not much of a relationship to begin with.