NOTE: These devotionals that I share are from Our Daily Bread written by various authors. I’ve been reading them daily for over 20 years. Some speak to me and seem to come at the very moments I need understanding or clarity with all life throws at me. I share them here in hopes that it comforts others as it does for myself.
Key Verse: There is a time for everything . . . a time to be silent and a time to speak. – Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7
For thirty long years, the African American woman worked faithfully for a large global ministry. Yet when she sought to talk with co-workers about racial injustice, she was met with silence. Finally, however, in the spring of 2020—as open discussions about racism expanded around the world—her ministry friends “started having some open dialogue.” With mixed feelings and pain, she was grateful discussions began.
Silence can be a virtue in some situations. As King Solomon wrote in the book of Ecclesiastes, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: . . . a time to be silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7).
Silence in the face of bigotry and injustice, however, only enables harm and hurt. Lutheran pastor Martin Niemoeller (jailed in Nazi Germany for speaking out) confessed that in a poem he penned after the war. “First they came for the Communists,” he wrote, “but I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist.” He added, “Then they came for” the Jews, the Catholics, and others, “but I didn’t speak up.” Finally, “they came for me—and by that time there was no one left to speak up.”
It takes courage—and love—to speak up against injustice. Seeking God’s help, however, we recognize the time to speak is now. By Patricia Raybon
Reflect: Why is it important not to be silent during discussions about injustice? What hinders your willingness to engage in such dialogue?
Prayer: Dear God, release my tongue and heart from the enemy’s grip. Equip me to see and feel the harm of injustice so that I may speak up for those hurt by this sin.
5thGenerationgirl 
Your reminder of the seasons is also useful to me who am in a season of silence. Thank you for the affirmation 😊
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💖
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Speaking up against injustice is often hard because of the system that continues to allow it and makes people feel helpless against it. It truly is sad and the continued racially motivated hate crimes continue to show just out damaged our system is. Those who speak up truly are brave and may many more others continue to take their brave lead.
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I agree and always thought I wouldn’t be brave enough to speak up when/if put in that position but I did. By far one of the most fearful times of my life. Looking back, I have no regrets that I did speak up.
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🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕
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It takes courage to speak up. Hope that when we do it is the right time and to the right audience.
I love the prayer. Thanks so dearly. I pray for you. Blessed Be. Xoxo
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Thank you my dear. I thankfully welcome all prayers as I surely need them….prayer in numbers is powerful. 😇
Blessings to you as well.
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👼 💕
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Seeing injustice we very often keep silent to us it needs guts! Well shared 👌
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Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading.
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Cheering for you. I love Dr. King puts this obligation to speak: “To accept passively an unjust system is to cooperate with that system; thereby the oppressed become as evil as the oppressor. Non-cooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is cooperation with good.” This is a large, loving voice. When you speak with this intention, you join a chorus across time. Prayers your way.
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Prayers & blessings for you as well.
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This is one of my most favorite quotes, and I think we’re seeing it right…now! In the States, so many are being oppressed, and it seems like no one wants to speak up because they think it doesn’t impact them, but really, these issues (race, sex, etc.) affect us all in some way, and will have an effect on society.
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Sadly, I’ll admit it took me many years to learn that. I thought if it wasn’t happening to me directly, I didn’t need to be concerned. Once I realized how wrong I was, I now feel a responsibility to no longer keep quiet.
Appreciate you as always!
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We’re all growing, TW 💕
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💝
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