Wednesday, March 18

A reflection from Mary Elizabeth Hanchey

If you say something of consequence, there may be consequences. The alternative is to be inconsequential.

---The OpEdProject

I was miffed.   I did not appreciate the pushback that I was receiving.   I did not feel that I deserved critique.   I had only said what needed to be said. 

But my friend offered this bit of wisdom, and her poise and clarity took me by surprise.   I had imagined that I might speak up, that I might lead the way, and that folx would clearly see that I was right and would joyfully follow.   I had imagined leading without consequence, as if consequence was something to avoid.   

But the gospel is not a story that propels us into action without consequence.   Rather, the gospel calls us into consequential living, and speaking, and doing, and being.   

In this season when there is much to be said, may we relinquish the fear of consequences: may we refuse to be inconsequential.