The author, John Francis . . . went 17 years without speaking. John's journey to self-discovery of his life purpose and passion is fascinating.
I asked earlier . . . what would I be willing to hike across Texas in order to raise awareness of?
I may be closer to an answer than I thought. Not that I am planning such a hike. My goal is to do a 4 day Grand Canyon hike first. But . . . it is a notion in the back of my mind.
But . . . it is worth asking an even more pointed question . . . what cause would I, an ordained United Methodist preacher (professional speaker-type-person) be willing to support / raise awareness of by not talking for a week?
Could I even begin to understand how to do my job / ministry if I was unable or couldn't speak? I wonder what would really change . . . if anything. Communication is much more than spoken word, right.
The thought of not speaking . . . is frightening to me.
I bet I get some suggestions about this one . . . some in my family would probably pay me to not talk for a week. Some of my friends would not doubt more than welcome the chance to speak to me without my interrupting them with comments and questions.
But seriously . . . I think I would mourn the loss of speech more than the loss of sight or hearing.
Interesting . . . and very challenging to consider stuff like this. God "fearfully and wonderfully" created me with the capacity of speech. I wonder . . . no, I know . . . that I sometimes abuse that gift. No . . . that is not true . . . I often abuse this gift.
Knowing that people listen to me . . . is validation for me . . .
Forcing people to listen to me . . . because of my "office" or "position" . . . not a good thing.
Ever forward . . . ><>
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