By now, chances are you have heard about the case of the potential shooting at the Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy in Decatur, Georgia. This highly publicized incident is an example of what I call a “Talk it Out”. The school clerk saved her life and the lives of the 800 plus school children, administration and law enforcement dispatched to the school because of her ability to allow someone the space, in her life, to talk it out. 

Ms. Antoinette Tuff had a listening ear, genuine interest and a desire to help someone else, she enabled him to talk it out. To my knowledge she had not taken any special classes or training. She simply reached out to another human being and gave of herself what she had to give on behalf of others. One hour of her life has affected more than those on the campus that day. Her sincere interaction with the 20 year-old would-be gunman, can serve to remind us all how important our interactions with others truly are.

I too celebrate her. Her courage, her faith, her ability to take her inherent gifts and apply them to the intense situation she faced last Tuesday. She treated that young man, armed with hundreds of rounds of ammunition, a plan and the motive to commit violence like he mattered. She allowed him to talk it out. Unknown to her before the incident. He was in dire need of something that she was empowered to give. She allowed him the space to talk it out. The result was a loving act toward, herself, the children, the teachers and the unnamed individuals that would have been negatively impacted had he carried out his original plan.

How many people do you allow to talk it out? Is there a person in your life that you know could use a listening ear, with genuine interest with no judgments—only caring and concern?

Yes, I understand that Ms. Tuff was under duress as she spoke to the armed young man and talked him into surrendering. Yet she had choices. I think we can all agree, because of the outcome, that she made the best choice. It is not likely that the majority of us will find ourselves in that same situation. However, every day we make choices in unpredictable situations, every day. That person is there within your span of friends, family or acquaintances that could have their life (and the lives of countless others that would be affected by their actions) changed because you gave of your time to let them talk it out. When we get that feeling that we should contact a friend, family member or acquaintance to spend some time and just listen, we get a choice too.

While it may not seem that the situation is dire, it may be for that person. The friends, family members or acquaintances of the gunman may not have realized the seriousness with which he would assemble the guns and ammunition he took to the school with him on that dark day. After the fact, how many of them do you think asked themselves why they did not show that they cared before they heard the details behind the actions of the troubled young man?

As you read these words is there anyone who comes to mind? Anyone you could have taken a few moments out of your busy day to talk to about what is really on their mind? Can you show them a listening ear with genuine concern, with no judgments, only caring and concern? Why lament about it later when you can respond to that prompting now? Perhaps it will take courage and faith. True you have a lot to do, clearly finding the time is not always easy, and why doesn’t someone else take care of that anyway? Can you be a hero or a heroine?

When we are all doing our part to allow others to talk it out, before they believe they need to take desperate measures to be heard, we may not see our names heralded as Ms. Tuff did. We will not likely get a call from the office of the president of the United States or be awarded any medal. Our actions may appear to blend in with other acts of love that occur every day, seemingly unnoticed by the masses. Yet those touched on a personal level by someone taking time out of their schedule to give to them the opportunity to talk it out, whatever it is, do notice very much. There is also a vital record being kept of all of those deeds in a consequential book that contains countless names.

As we love ourselves we look for ways to honor our gifts and operate in strength. We nurture ourselves when we use those inherent gifts. While some errantly believe that our individual purposes in life are a single task or a job title, living your purpose has everything to do with following God’s will. He has beautifully made each of us to fulfill His purpose by using our gifts.

In the flesh we often search for something that is in plain sight. He has provided each of us with inherent gifts. When we use those gifts, whatever our job title we are operating in purpose; His designed purpose for our lives.    

Love is giving to someone at their point of need. When we love ourselves and others both the one receiving and giving love benefit. We were designed to give and receive love. Created in His image. Allowing others to talk it out is loving.

Is there someone you are prompted to allow to talk it out? Do it soon. Your deed may not appear on any social media platforms, however it will be tracked, and it will matter. We are commanded to love our neighbor as yourself. (See Galatians 5:14 and James 2:8) You will be loving your neighbor, as you honor your gifts you love yourself and God. (See John 14:15)

This week allow someone to talk it out, as a result you will walk more steadfastly on the path to fulfilling your purpose.

Love,

Deborah

“Lighting the path to loving your neighbor as yourself.”