Triggered

The idea that what I say can trigger someone to feel angry and hurt isn't new, but the effects seem much greater today.

Being triggered can fracture families and break friendships.

Differences are always difficult, but I do not remember them being as divisive as they are now.

Does knowing this mean we do not speak out for fear of triggering someone, or do we use our words as a weapon to do just that?

Wisdom lies in the balance between these two.

This, like most things, has become more important to me as I've gotten older.

Why?

I think it is because although my views and opinions matter to me, my relationships matter more. This means I need to find a way to express my views while also considering how they may affect someone else.

If so, maybe we are beginning to understand that caring more about helping someone else feel valued matters more than the value of being right.

In a world where people are constantly being triggered, I have decided I may need to put down my weapon and allow silence to speak louder than my words!

James 1:19: Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger