The Ache of Uncertainty

When you know quite a few people, and have an emotional investment in them, one of the hardest decisions to face is whether to tell them something you know will hurt them.  This is particularly the case if you know that if you were in their situation, you would want to know.  But when you look in the face of someone who is already carrying a burden, it can be very difficult to know whether you should speak the words, or wait until they soon find out anyway so you don't have to be the bearer of bad news.

As I've been reading through Ezekiel lately, I can relate to how he feels when the Lord keeps asking him if he is willing to prophecy against the city and people he holds dear.  But it is even more difficult when the message must be delivered personally -- face to face.  And the more you love the person involved, the harder it can be to muster the courage to say what you know must be as difficult for them to hear as it is for you to say.

I suppose someone could consider my reticense to be cowardice.  But more often than not, I will speak the hard words if I am able to speak to the person face to face.  What is most problematic is when technology allows for what most people consider communication, but isn't at all suitable for connecting with another person emotionally.

I realize I haven't solved any problems by blogging these words.  I just want to get them out there to say I'm struggling with how to handle this sort of scenario.  And lately it seems to be coming to me far too often.  When I've been asked by friends and brothers and sisters in Christ what they can pray for me; my answer lately has been oft repeated.  If you choose to pray for me, pray God will grant me the wisdom to speak when I ought and to remain silent when I ought.