Volume XXIII, Number 46 (Issue 1155) November 17, 2025
“If You Cannot Say, Amen…“
… let me hear you say, Ouch!”
Polar opposite reactions? Yes, but I love the image that comes to mind due to that simple request. Being a practicing Episcopalian (aka God’s Frozen Chosen) but having been raised Southern Baptist, I can appreciate the wisdom and understanding contained in that desire for a response. After all, when you share your personal views with others, some may love your message while others may hate it – or see it as meddling. In our fractured and partisan world where talking about politics and religion is considered taboo, an outsized reaction to anything possibly controversial is to be expected.
Regardless of the size of your platform and whether others are apt to agree or disagree, having the courage to speak your “truth” can be daunting. So, imagine standing before a crowd, hoping some in your audience will embrace your message while fully expecting others to tune out, walk out, or both if they do not like what they hear.
I have penned Musings for nearly twenty-three years, and sometimes I find myself walking a fine line with my message so as to not offend some of my readers. One of the reasons I try hard to play Switzerland as best I can is because my goal is to get people to think, stretch, and realize more of their potential. But challenging long and deeply held views has its risks. Yes, I love it when readers agree, but I also know I must occasionally poke the bear – just not too hard or too much lest he/she/they tune me out.
I am not saying my goal is to avoid confrontation or be apolitical. But in an environment where a show of respect for those with an opposing view is rare, or where civil discourse seems impossible, being controversial is not my shtick.
I am reminded of a story of a powerful Texas political family where the matriarch was, in her later years, prone to openly disagree with some of the policy positions of the party, thereby earning the label of RINO. After one particularly critical statement of hers drew the ire of others in the party, her son observed to me, “She is eighty years old and no longer has a filter. Thus, she speaks her mind.” How liberating, not to mention refreshing, it must be to say or write what you believe while also respecting the right of others to say and write what they think. Having an opposing view is what led to the birth of our nation as well as what gave rise to the freedoms and principles we profess.
Yet in the current climate of vocal intolerance of those who look differently and think differently, who observe different customs and faith traditions, are we at risk of losing what made this noble experiment so successful? I am not suggesting it has been smooth sailing the entire time. Political barbs and wrangling have been a big element of our journey. But we have also been able to set aside our differences in times of crisis. Any time we are able to do that, rather than serve red meat to those who hold views similar to our own, I will happily say, Amen!
Soli Deo Gloria
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17
J. Keith Hughey
Mobile: (210) 260-0955
E-mail: keith@jkeithhughey.com
Website: www.jkeithhughey.com
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Copyright 2025 by J. Keith Hughey. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted for reproduction and redistribution of this essay as provided under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Recent issues of Musings may be found at www.jkeithhughey.com. Your comments are always welcome.