Taking A Stand Against Wrong

There are two ways of dealing with wrong behavior that comes into our sphere of influence. Stand in contrast to the wrong or go along with it. One way supports what is right and the other way supports the wrong. Unfortunately many of us are afraid to take a definitive stand against wrong because of the problems it can bring us. We fear disapproval or bodily harm. Those that should speak up or take a stand and don't are enablers of error...or worse, enablers of evil. Think Jews and Hitler Germany.

At Christmas one year my sister in-law told me a story in front of all the gathered relatives of how my three year old grandson had asked her for candy one day while she was watching him for moment. Everyone had their eyes on me waiting to see my reaction because they already heard the story and must have thought I would think it as funny as they did.

As her story went, the 3 year old's father had told her that the boy could not have any candy. But the little boy insisted, so she said to him "OK, OK, here, but eat it really quickly and don't tell your Dad" She then proceeded to imitate how the boy followed her advice and rapidly chewed the candy and swallowed it. Everyone there laughed loudly thinking that that was cute and adorable...everyone except me that is. I didn't think it cute at all.

I remained stone cold silent and unmoved. The silence instantly stopped all the laughter, convicted the sister in-law, and caused her to become red with embarrassment. Do not under-estimate the power to correct with the right kind of silence at the right time. In a no nonsense manner I told all of them that teaching a child to go against his father's will is a very wicked game and isn't cute at all. My sister in-law, and others in the room that day, will think twice about doing such a thing again.

I am sure I received many silent judgements from others in that moment, I heard about some of them privately later, but I could care less. I know what is right and what is wrong when I see it. If I am unliked and thought ill of for taking my stands in life, for being true to who I am, oh well, life is not a popularity contest and I am not hear for the approval of those who think I went to far, caused unnecessary pain or embarrassment...or whatever other motives they wish to ascribe to me. My approval comes from being true to myself, no matter what the cost.