"Remove the Stones, Untie Them, Let Them Go!"
Many may be the times we will wonder, “Does anyone hear the words I share?
Words we speak of comfort, reassurance, advice, encouragement; words that counsel or words to alert or warn in hopes to prevent further disasters in another’s life. Or perhaps the words we hesitantly share that speak of personal pain, inner struggles. Is it even noticed when we smile and speak words that compliment and praise?
What of our actions? Are they noticed when we do something nice in a small ordinary way? Do they even see when we do everyday chores that help to keep all running smoothly along life’s way?
Do you sometimes think—“I am like a voice crying out in the desert—no one hearing or seeing but the lizards, insects, the rocks and sand, the mountains, the desert fox or the eagle flying overhead.”
“I am I said to no one there!” Well, not really. Think about this.
John the Baptist was a voice calling out in the wilderness, the desert—living in a very crude way. Crying out in the desert—not the Temple, not at city hall, not in the newspaper, or on a stage-- his voice was heard from the desert. You would even think no one would want to go see him in a hot barren desert or hear what he had to say. But heard, his voice was—and that voice carried so far that it is heard even to this present day. His voice is still heard for He prepared the Way of the Lord. He challenged the multitude to repent—to make straight the WAY of the Lord. He also chose to speak words of correction that led to his eventual death.
So, as you wonder if anyone hears and listens to what you say—also wonder too, do I want my voice to be heard? Remember, there will always be consequences that will come from all our words and actions. Are you ready for that possibility? Remember John’s words; ‘make straight the Way of the Lord.’ Making straight is simple, but hard too. Choose to speak words of love, about Jesus’ Love, and live out those words in action too—then your words, yours actions will be heard even into eternity, and welcomed too.