Don't Spike the Mike

In the 1920s, broadcast studio technicians feared their delicate microphones might fail if "spiked" with sudden surges of volume. So they asked a singer of that time, Vaughn de Leath to keep her voice low and gentle. Thus originated the old-time style of singing, later popularized by Bing Crosby, called "crooning." 

Softness and gentleness in demeanor, song or speech carries its own form of soothing persuasiveness. It can accomplish things where raucous, blustering stridence will fail. "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger, " observed Solomon (Prv 15:1). You don't need a proverb, or even much life experience, to know that "a hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel" (15:18), for "a man of understanding is even-tempered" (17:27). Examples of this abound in Scripture: for example, Gideon calmed the anger of the men of Ephraim, and "their resentment against him subsided" (Jgs 8:3). 

It requires little experience in human diplomacy to know that "the tongue of the wise brings healing" (Ps 12:!8)., for "a wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction" (16:23). "A patient man has great understanding" (14:29), so he knows that his "calmness can lay great errors to rest" (Eccl 10:4).

Prayerfully read the book of Proverbs for consummate wisdom in using the heavenly strategy of meekness, especially in speech. 

This excerpt is from the book One-Minute Meditations for Busy People, by John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/video recordings can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408 or www.Catholicbooks.net