“He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him” (Proverbs 18:13)
Since the election in November, I have watched and listened–to many of you as well as others. One of the things I find fascinating is the communication pattern which seems to have become the norm. It is similar to the old volume based style. The more I feel “unheard”, the louder I talk. The louder I talk, the more you feel YOU are not being heard, and the louder you talk. And so on.
Of course the problem is, even though both of us may have something very important to say, neither of us is heard because of how we choose to say it. The end result is our insights are useless to anyone because no one is hearing them.
Of course we could all just sit back and bemoan the fact that everyone seems too stupid to listen to us.
OR…maybe we could listen.
This Friday Donald Trump will be inaugurated as President Of the United States (not God by the way, just President). Some think this is the best thing that has ever happened and are saying so at the top of their lungs. They seem to believe anyone who disagrees with them is stupid, so they keep saying the same things over and over–and louder–in hopes that these poor stupid people will finally listen and understand.
And it isn’t working.
Others feel a great sadness, even despair at the prospect of Donald Trump as President of the U.S., and they are saying so at the top of their lungs. They seem to believe anyone who disagrees with them is stupid, so they keep saying the same things over and over–and louder–in hopes that these poor stupid people will finally listen and understand. Sound familiar?
And–surprise! It isn’t working.
As someone who is neither Republican or Democrat, Conservative or Liberal (in the political sense of those terms anyway) may I offer an insight to all my friends (I mean that sincerely since I have many who fit both of these descriptions)? Please, it is time to shut up and listen!
To my conservative friends: Do not think that Donald Trump is the answer to your problems or the country’s problems. Do not turn your back on the dangerous things he has said or done. LISTEN to Trump’s opponents and detractors and be willing to hear the valid concerns being shared. Support the new President, but also hold him accountable–and above all be willing to acknowledge truth.
To my liberal friends: Do not think that the same diatribe will be heard. The conservatives have valid concerns. But no one listened. The election was lost to your “side” not because people like Donald Trump, but because they weren’t given a legitimate alternative. LISTEN, and work with them.
It’s time to realize most people in this country have been yelling, not listening. That won’t help now. It’s time to listen.
“He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him” (Proverbs 18:13)
Pat roy says
You are right!