I learned from my father not to argue with people about religion and politics. It took experience and listening to other wise people for discernment to develop in me to learn if a person was asking me a question to debate, discuss, argue or just out of what I thought. A pastor I once was “shepherd” by said when he knows a person is asking him a question so that they can twist his words or misquote him, he tells them, “I don’t think anything about it.” “You mean you have no thoughts about xyz?” They would ask. And he would reply, “Not one thought.”

When people try to bait me in, I stick to this line. I may add in questions like, “What does it matter to you what I think?” or “Do you already have your mind made up and you just want to step into your ego and go round for round arguing or do you want to expand your understanding or thinking? Are you trying to gain different perspectives?” Usually, they leave me alone. But sometimes they lie and when I discover, they just want to argue or prove their theory, I back out. I difuse.

With that being said, I saw someone demanding a celeb to speak up or out against the war between Israel and Palestine (Hamas). Particularly, take their side. I was like why? Why would you want them to take a side? They said they needed celebrity power to get attention and to influence change. In response I said, “The only attention you sould seek is your government and politicians. I thought you are the change you seek? I thought, one person could change the world. What if they speak out and it’s not what you want to hear? Then you will never watch their movie, listen to their music, etc. again. You will call for their resignation or for them to be dropped by a business. Never forget the Dixie Chics or Kapernick. Plus, celebs have the same rights as you NOT to be forced to get into a religious or political arena. Silence doesn’t ALWAYS mean consent. Silence could be wisdom. Silence could save your job. Silence could save your family from threats of death. I mean, think of the world we live in now. You can’t disagree, have a different opinion or perspective without people wanting your career and life over or making threats. I mean if we are making life threats over football games…” Maybe they would rather discuuss some matters with their circle and your are not privy to their circle.

In this country, it’s okay to have opinions. Just not against certain people or groups. I’m like “Which one is it? Play ball and not have an opinion or we need you to support our perpective so we demand you to be on our side?”

I’ve been asked what I think as a Christian about the war and I say, “I think war is horrific.” When pressed about sides, “I am on the side of peace but peace begins within and in order to resolve conflict each party would have to be williing to give up something. And therein lies the problem. Not just with war of two countries or cultures but, also with us and others right in our own homes and families.”

~Nikki