"It is no little wisdom for you to keep yourself in silence
and in good peace when evil words are spoken to you,
and to turn your heart to God and not be troubled
with the judgment of others."
Thomas A. Kempis
Harsh words directly articulated are challenging to ignore. Even when we know the words are misplaced and untrue, we feel pain like little darts shot into our heart. Our immediate response can be hateful words filling our own mouth, prepared to take flight ... words that are also misplaced and untrue.
Living each day communicating with the Divine, keeps peaceful reactions near no matter what we face. If we turn inward and not outward, we will keep our dignity and integrity in place. In relationship with the Divine, our confidence builds to withstand the harshness of others.
When we choose silence to be our action, we reflect God's kindness. (This is not to mean in any way, shape, or form to remain present in the face of destruction or harm.) It means we lovingly accept God's opinion of us, and deeply believe in our personal goodness more than the opinion of one other. It is a strength to offer silence and not engage with the negative remarks of others.
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