The church bells rang out their call to worship. The day was heavy, the shock and grief of the recent tragedy still fresh in the minds of many who came to seek comfort and reassurance.
They waited for the pastor’s healing words—for recognition of a ministry violently ended, for prayer to lift up the family of a fallen Christian martyr.
But—there would be no word of hope from the pulpit this day. The silence became a mask, a place to hide from the risk of political association.
***
Sometimes evil arrives with thunder—through violence, tragedy, or loss—shaking us with grief and despair. Other times it slips in quietly, cloaked in confusion, in division, in fear. It hides behind thoughts of “prudence,” of “staying out of politics.” It doesn’t need to strike a blow. It only needs to convince the faithful to retreat.
When tragedy strikes, the voices of faith are too often muted, bowing to the temptation to step aside, to wait for the storm to pass. Yet every retreat, however cautious or well-intentioned, yields precious, sacred ground.
In quieter times, when deception dresses itself as wisdom, when fear poses as peace, we often hide behind flimsy facades, avoiding controversy.
But it’s in those very moments that we must decide if we will continue the dance of disguise, of complacency, and of apathy, or follow the lamp that lights the ageless path.
Evil will pursue us—that much is certain. The question is whether we will keep running, or whether we will turn at last to face it, unmasked, armed not with the sword, but with truth, with faith, and with the courage to risk offending a fallen world.
No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. — Luke 11:33
Wonderful perspective, Jamison.
Many are in fear of repercussions if they speak out in faith.
This is evil’s plan.
When.we are afraid to proclaim our lives are given to Jesus, the fissures in faith begin to crumble
Christianity.
It is time to stop running.
All glory to God!
Amen to that, K. Fear is the tool of silence, and silence is exactly what evil hopes for. You’re right—it’s time to stop running and start standing.
Thank you for this powerful reminder and for lifting it all back to where it belongs: God’s glory.
Once again, Jamison, some very powerful statements. You are so correct and too often people are afraid to say what is on their mind because of the fear of what someone else might think. However, they are some of the people who will be left begging at heaven’s gate, according to scripture. This reminds me of a Christian children’s song I remember singing when I was little. I know you will remember this one, “Hide it under a bushel, NO, I’m going to let it shine.”
This brilliant speech here reminds me of what Charlie Kirk also stood for. You say you are not a preacher, but honestly, you certainly could be. Your wise words brought tears to my eyes, and I can’t thank you enough for this poignant and timely piece. This was so very thought-provoking and I would be disappointed if I did not also see this on FanStory.
Love, Debi
I’m deeply grateful for your kind words about this piece, Debi. I smiled at the song reference—“This Little Light of Mine” was one of the first I learned too. Such a simple tune, yet a lifetime lesson, isn’t it?
I couldn’t believe the position of so many Christian churches on the Charlie Kirk tragedy (mine included). I saw firsthand how fear of political association can silence voices.
Another song that comes to mind is “They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love.”
P.S. I’ll be posting this piece on FanStory before long. As always, thank you for your amazing support and encouragement.
I agree. Never give up what you believe in. Never let “them “ get you down.
That’s it exactly, Dave. Stand firm, even when the masks around us try to silence truth. Thank you for reading and for the reminder to hold fast.
Always love reading your great writings. Thank you for sharing your thoughts which touches our hearts.
Donna, I appreciate you and Wes. Thank you for your heartfelt support. Take care.
Once again. I am in awe of your writings. Excellent reminder to keep our light shining brightly.
With yet another shooting today, the church is increasingly under attack. But, as you say, we must find ways to keep the light shining. Thank you for the kind words, Paula.
Wow another heart felt composition from the heart.
Well done.
Let’s keep the light shining, my good friend. Thank you for reading and for all the other great things you do for our community and our country.