There’s an old proverb that says, “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.”
Today, it feels like more people choose the first option.
We all feel entitled to our opinions — and what’s worse, we think everyone else wants to hear them, too.
Social media was meant to be a peaceful platform for connecting with long-lost high school friends and catching up on family vacation pictures. (Sigh) Wouldn’t that be nice? Instead, it has devolved into the public square for lashing out at strangers, bickering with that kid you met in Algebra class because he posted a picture of himself at a Trump rally or ICE protest, and attacking random organizations because they said something you disagreed with (the gall!).
If it had a motto, it would be “speak all your mind,” not “keep it in till afterwards” — because, who does that anymore?
But sometimes, when temperatures run high, emotions strain, and the mob stands ready to kill, what this nation needs more than another ALL CAPS post is just to…
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
Repeat.
Imagine how much better off we would be if we rushed to our knees, instead of rushing to Reddit, every time we heard the news. Imagine if we took a deep breath instead of unleashing a fiery blast.
Today is the National Day of Prayer — and boy, do we need it!
Prayer enables us, like nothing else, to stop, connect with something bigger than ourselves, and reset. It restores our sense of gratitude and brings a new perspective. Whereas outrage blinds us, prayer opens our eyes to the bigger picture — to God’s point of view. It protects our peace, calms our minds, and blunts our tongues.
Isn’t that what America needs right now?
Recent examples of political violence, including the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, prove just how dangerously deranged our politics has become. The rumors and conspiracies that spread after these events show just how quickly people jump to conclusions.
Instead of getting pulled into the anger and fear, we need to step back. We need to hold our tongues and get on our knees.
It’s the only responsible thing to do for a self-governing nation.
Don’t let your emotions get the best of you. The next time you feel the need to vent on social media, remember the words of the beloved gospel hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”: take it to the Lord in prayer!
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. – Philippians 4:6-8