Something I have been thinking a lot about lately and that is my reluctance to voice my opinion on political or controversial topics openly.  I remain silent often and it causes me to wonder, am I a coward, or is it wisdom or something else?

I learned silence at a young age, it was taught in our home.  I can still hear my mother say, “What happens in our house is our business.”  Meaning. Don’t tell anyone about how you are beat with a belt, the fights, and the abuse.  Remain silent, keep secrets.

Others said, “This is our secret.” Meaning: Don’t tell anyone that I am molesting you (I didn’t even know that word) but I knew it was not right.

Also.  “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.”   This one I think was the most useful.  It is most likely the reason I keep a lot of thoughts to myself except for on this blog.  Sometimes ranting about things says more about oneself than the person which is the topic of the rant.

I am content with my beliefs; beliefs about God, about politics, about people.  I don’t find a need to have anyone believe the same as I do.  I won’t force my beliefs on them and I don’t need them to force theirs on me.

Lately however, there are many who become unhinged at people who voice views and opinions which differ from theirs. If you disagree you are a ______ (fill in the blank) racist, bigot, religious radical, pacifist… degenerate of some form.

Those who prefer not to remain silent seem to be everywhere and in my face.  They want others to hear what they believe and they want them to embrace it. They repeat their views over and over again and shout them louder and louder.  Neither of these tactics are effective nor do they make it true for me and many others.

So I remain silent.

I understand the “Silent Majority” and I believe I am one of the members of this group.  It is often fear that prevents me from speaking; I do not want to engage in any argument with people who disagree or have rabid views.  I don’t want to be ridiculed, villainized, disciplined or enlightened.

The numbers of the silent majority may be known very soon and when the time comes, I will privately make my voice heard.

The verse inside the graphic has always been one of my favorites.  There are several versions and one that was used during WWII was used to remind the soldiers their silence saves lives.