The Presence of Silence

The old saying is “Silence is golden;” but silence is also Godly. For it is when we are silent that we hear the whispers of God in our lives. When we are silent, we hear the response to our prayers because God is present in our silence.

But silence is also important in our daily lives, interacting with those around us. I often wonder if people stay silent to really listen to what others are saying, or if they are only thinking of a response. How can we respond to others unless we listen to them? And, sometimes listening for what the bodily position is. Silence is patience and therefore creates a space for Wisdom.

God is Wisdom and when we create this space, our silence allows reflection and compassion. Compassion then brings in a time of vulnerability as we courageously surrender ourselves to others, to God. By surrendering to silence, every cell in our body is actively involved; as difficult as this seems, we feel God enter calming us as our outward persona then emits a tenderness only present when God is present.

I listen; the presence of silence engulfs me; and God takes control.

©Russell Kendall Carter