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“People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use.”
*Søren Kierkegaard
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An African tale has a hunter going into the bush and finding a human skull. The hunter inquires, “What brought you here?” “Talking brought me here,” replies the skull.
The hunter, dumbfounded, runs to tell the king. The king hears the story and speaks, “I’ve never heard of a talking skull.” The king calls his wise men and inquires about this oddity. None of them has heard of a talking skull. So, the king calls one of his guards and informs him, “Go with the hunter into the bush. Find the skull. If it talks, bring it to me. If it doesn’t, kill this hunter.”
The hunter and guard go and find the skull. The hunter questions, “What brought you here, skull?” The skull is silent. So, the guard kills the hunter. The guard departs, and the skull opens its mouth and inquires of the dead hunter, “What brought you here?” The hunter replies, “Talking brought me here.”
Proverbs 10.19 reads: Don't talk too much, for it fosters sin. Be sensible and turn off the flow! (NLT)
Buddhists speak of purifying mind, body, and speech. Possibly, when we are not sure whether we should write or say something, it would prove best to be quiet. And, also, do not use e-mail to say things to someone you would not say to his or her face. Remember, when you press that “send,” it is sent. Words written in haste can bring regret for years.
Remember: Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out. (Colossians 4.5-6, The Message)
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*Charitable contributions would be appreciated to assist Brian in the continuance of his work of ministry. For contributions, contact Brian at barukhattah@embarqmail.com .
*Brian's book of mystical love poetry, An Ache for Union: Oneness with God through Love, can be ordered through major booksellers, or through the Cokesbury on-line store, at www.cokesbury.com .
*Brian K. Wilcox lives in Punta Gorda, FL, and Clearwater, FL, with his wife, step-son, and two beloved dogs. He serves the Christ Community United Methodist Church, Punta Gorda, FL. Brian is vowed at Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in South Georgia. He lives a vowed, contemplative life and inspires others to experience a more intimate relationship with God-in-Christ. Brian advocates for a spiritually-focused Christianity and renewal of the focus of the Church on addressing the deeper spiritual needs and longings of persons, along with empathic relating with other world religions, East and West. Brian has an independent writing, workshop, and retreat ministry, for all spiritual seekers.
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