I’m going to be offline for the next few days, so I wanted to post my One Question Friday early.
Every Friday (or Thursday in this case) I’m going to ask a question. The questions I choose might be ambiguous on purpose. The goal is to have you answer the question according 
to your beliefs, where you’re at in life or a circumstance that might have recently impacted you. The only thing I ask is that you provide an explanation for why you answered the way you did.
to your beliefs, where you’re at in life or a circumstance that might have recently impacted you. The only thing I ask is that you provide an explanation for why you answered the way you did.It is my hope to understand you better through this and also to gain a greater understanding of humanity and how people make decisions.
Ready for your question?
Silence or Speech?
*photos by flickr
Earlier in my life I would have said speech, because I'm a social person who enjoys helping others by talking it out. But as my faith grows, I'm finding silence a more powerful tool. Listening is one of the most powerful gifts you can give someone.
ReplyDeleteSilence.
ReplyDeleteSilence. I could still communicate, but under my own terms, while enjoying the peace of quiet and thought.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
My first thought was silence. But then I thought, perhaps not. Even a few words spoken serves to not deny the validity of our thoughts, feelings, ideas. So speech, with much consideration.
ReplyDeleteSilence. Now, if I could only take my own advice....
ReplyDeleteSilence is powerful. Proof: I can melt one of my students with a quelling stare. Just a stare. It's so much more powerful than lecturing. :)
With three little ones in the house I would say silence. I love to communicate, but it is in silence that I can remember who I really am.
ReplyDeleteSilence
ReplyDeleteSilence.
ReplyDeleteSuzann, Duluk & B.J., Unless you are using your answer as an art form or a stand alone to make a point...I'd love to know the why behind your answers. (see my request above)
ReplyDeleteI'm loving these answers. The sparks are flying in my brain and I'd love to be sitting with each of you to delve deeper.
~ Wendy
Wendy: Great question!
ReplyDeleteSilence.
Because one learns more when listening. You already know everything you know.
If I'm silent, I hear God's voice. If I talk, well. I'm way shallower than He.
There's definitely a time under heaven for everything: a time for silence and a time for speech. The trick is figuring out which one we should be doing at which times!
ReplyDeleteSilence. At least for now. I'm very frustrated with a particular person, and I am forcing myself to keep quiet. Speech at this point would only cause problems for my son. I only have to deal with this person for a few more days, so I figure I can hold my tongue for that long! :)
ReplyDeletespeech but I know the right answer is silence and I really do try hard to do it. But it is sooooooo harrrrrrdddddd!
ReplyDeleteFor me, it really depends. How's that for an answer? >.<
ReplyDeleteSilence: with four little ones running around, I really value the quiet moments where I can reflect and think and feel.
Speech: There's nothing better than saying (or receiving) an I love you. It makes those moments when everything is careening out of control suddenly snap into focus.
On the whole, while Silence is golden, Speech is platinum. :D
Hard one. I love silence and speech.
ReplyDeleteThanks for asking. I appreciate a deep question of few words.
Enjoy your time away from blogging.
I didn't read all the comments yet because I didn't want to cloud my answer.
ReplyDeleteSilence for myself because when I am talking, I'm not listening. I tend not to listen often and am working on that!
Speech from my Lord. Yet again, I need to be silent to hear him.
From others? It all depends on who, where, when, what, why, etc.
Hope you have a nice time off.
Lately...silence. Usually, speech :D
ReplyDeleteSilence.
ReplyDeleteThere is definitely something to be said for one of my favorite quotes:
"Preach the gospel at all times--if necessary use words." by St. Francis of Assisi
However, there is a time for everything and I think it a waste of time or opportunity to be doing the opposite at either given time. It truly takes a quiet spirit to discern either of those times (when to be silent and just the right time to speak).
A common prayer of mine (in so many words) is, "Open my mouth as Your Spirit moves me to speak and close my mouth otherwise!" That prayer works!
Great question! Silence!! Most people want to just be heard!
ReplyDeleteoh gosh! both. In silence you can hear God speaking to you ... and you're not interrupting. In speak you can share the gospel. Though, I suppose you can live it out too. hmmm - very thought provoking.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with Theresa, and an excellent quote! Silence is Golden...who's a movie goer?? :) Silence hasn't always been one of my strengths, but it is an admirable goal for sure!
ReplyDeleteBoth. Silence to hear, learn, absorb, read, worship, and love. Speech to teach, exhort, encourage, witness, praise and love. The problem, like the other comments suggest, is the wisdom to know which to do when. A constant battle, no?
ReplyDeleteSilence. It's beautiful, and the best time of the day.
ReplyDeleteSilence. It allows us to truly listen with our hearts and minds. What a gift it is to really listen to others and hear what they are saying.
ReplyDeleteHope your time off-line has been rejuvenating!
Sweet blessings,
Amy