There's a lot to be said for keeping your mouth shut. If you don't talk, you can't say something stupid. You don't have to eat a toe-jam sandwich. Someone once said that it's "better to keep your mouth closed and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt." I agree. It's also safer.
I've learned, in the school of hard knocks, that sometimes it's better to remain a mystery. The less people know about you, the less ammunition they have to hurt you. And, when the teacher is someone close to you, someone you trust, your learn quickly to zip your lips.
The problem with this lesson is that you are never known by anyone, including yourself. It's crippling. It's a lonely, lonely place. It's easy to get hurt when your finally try to open up to let people in because you are anticipating it. And, it's hard even to tell people how they wound you for fear that they'll do it again.
But, I have to believe that there is value in using your voice--even if it trembles when you speak. There is value in standing up for yourself, speaking your mind, and being heard. People get to know you, yes. But you also get the opportunity to grow and help others grow with you.
For some reason this song seems to fit. It's not exactly what Rich Mullins was thinking when he wrote this song, but for me there is an abutment. And that's good enough for me.
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