Potential

Just moments after describing the homeless man as “less valuable than his dog” the couple were chatting about how amazing he was to ensure the safety of his pet before himself. I was stunned to hear the compliment from the pair in front of me so quickly after they accused him of “ruining his own life”. I glanced back at the man with no permanent address and ironically, he was laughing as his dog who sunbathed in the Preston light, like the men in the beer garden behind them. I laughed as well.

As the Muslim lady walked passed the outdoor seating area of the refurbished bar, my friend Dave and I were left horrified as an English lager lout shouted: “Oi take your mask off!”.

I turned 26 on Tuesday and read through the massively encouraging cards which had been sent from Wales, York and Preston.

Looking back on this week I can safely say that the power of the human tongue is quite simply phenomenal. The power to change a life with words is also highlighted throughout the teachings of the word of God. However, it’s not just the things we say, be they good or bad, but often in my life and the lives of my friends, it’s the things we do not say.

Was it more or less painful for the Muslim lady to hear the racist comment or the silence of the beer garden drinkers after it was shouted? I said nothing as that arrogant yob hurled his abuse at an easy living target who dressed differently.

The frown I wore across my aging face when the couple insulted the homeless guy is as pathetic as their words. If I don’t start speaking up for those who are being silenced, then what good are my frowns, my thoughts or my blogs? What is the point in me following Jesus, the Messiah who stuck up for those outcast by an arrogant society, if I refuse to do the same?

In the book of James it reads: “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.”

My birthday wish is to man up and speak up this year. Brothers, please pray for this.

Peace.