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To my dearest children,
I am writing to you today to offer you a permission slip.
Just like the one you might get from a parent after pestering them to let you out of taking your long-dreaded math test at school. This is your permission slip.
I am giving you the permission to say this utterly revolutionary and counter-cultural phrase: “I don’t know.”
There is so much pressure right now for everyone to have an opinion:
- About the effectiveness of masks.
- About racism.
- About conspiracy theories.
- About de-funding the police.
- About reopening schools.
2020 has thrown many issues at you that you have likely not considered before in any kind of depth. You are not an expert in any of the discussions going on. And yet, for some reason, you feel the tremendous pressure to “take a stance.”
Some of you have more responsibility than others. For some of you, the way you respond to these decisions will greatly affect the well-being of your communities, both present and future. For some of you, your decisions might only affect yourself, your families, and the people around you. Regardless, these are big topics and complex questions with no simple answers.
Please, do not react wildly or be quick to decide. Take a little time, think, and respond as wisely as you can.
The book of James puts it like this: “let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger…” (Js. 1:19)
Proverbs can help you towards wisdom: “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.” (Prov. 17:28)
The magic words “I’m not sure - what’s your take on it?” can buy you time to think and allow you to discern together the wisest way forward. Demonstrate humility. And remember, the right answer for you might not be what is right for your neighbor.
There is a whole lot of mystery in this world and I will help you solve it.
Trust me. The world may change. It may rage in its tumult. But I never change, and I will always hold you steadfast.
So move forward in faith and remember, it’s ok to say, “I don’t know.”
Take care my beloved,
God
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze… For you are precious to me. You are honored and I love you.” (Is. 43:2,4)
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