"My strong opinions push people away. I should soften my stance to keep the peace."
How it sounds in your head: I've lost friends over my convictions. Family gatherings are tense because I won't just smile and nod. Maybe if I were more agreeable, more flexible, less... convicted... I'd still have a seat at tables I've been uninvited from.
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
-- Proverbs 31:8-9Religion + world: Confusing peace with agreement and conviction with division.
You've been unfriended for your beliefs, called 'divisive' for standing firm, watched nice women stay silent and stay included while your truth-telling cost you community. Midlife makes you care less about approval, but the loneliness still stings.
Her husband Nabal was a fool insulting David's men. WITHOUT asking permission, she took matters into her own hands, loaded donkeys with provisions, INTERCEPTED David's army, and gave a speech so compelling David BLESSED her for her good judgment. Her decisive action saved lives INSTANTLY. Strong women save nations.
I REFUSE the lie that my convictions are too strong for the rooms I'm called to. IT IS WRITTEN that I am to SPEAK UP for those who cannot speak for themselves - and silence would be DISOBEDIENCE, not peace. I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, carrying TRUTH that DIVIDES light from darkness, not people from people. The BARAK blessing covers my BOLDNESS - favored when I speak, protected when I stand. IT IS WRITTEN that the righteous are BOLD as a LION, and I will not trade my roar for a whisper to keep false peace. I am Abigail - intercepting destruction with WISDOM and COURAGE. My convictions are my COMPASS.
The Father is NOT asking you to soften your stance - He's REINFORCING your foundations. He's running toward you with the REMNANT who've been praying for someone brave enough to say what they've been afraid to, celebrating that you chose TRUTH over tables.