Defuse or Detonate

Dear Diary,

#Defuse_or_Detonate!
#Shut_Down_The_Motormouth

So, yesterday I had a heart-to-heart conversation with a very great friend of mine. I digressed and asked a blunt question, “Do you and your hubby quarrel?” Who asks such questions! Of course, who on earth doesn’t have squabbles? Thankfully she was real, “We do!” she said. Nosily, “Between you, who is a talker?” After a hearty laugh, she said, “We don’t exchange words because we know the damage words do to relationships. We have mastered the art and wisdom of silence.” Okay, when I grow up, I would love to master this art and wisdom! I remembered those moments when someone lobbed a verbal-grenade into a conversation and the way sometimes I end up pouring gasoline in the conversation hence igniting an explosion. “God, I need you to help me learn to defuse potentially devastating explosion….” Three hours later, a friend of mine sent me a text which I felt was selfish. I forgot all about my prayer and resolve, I poured gasoline on the conversation! I was defeated.

My mind wandered away and I found myself thinking about the Dusit2, Riverside attack. How the Bomb Disposal Unit Officers managed to detonate explosives left by the attackers in one of the vehicles outside the complex. These are men and women skilled and trained in defusing a potentially devastating explosion. What does it take to be like these men? Training and Intentional learning!

We’ve all been in moments we get to decide whether we will defuse or detonate! It’s a matter of learning when to pour gasoline or water into a conversation. Scripture teaches us, "A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare,"Proverbs 15:1; Philippians 4:5 Paul said “Let your gentleness be evident to all.” Psalm 19:14 is my heartfelt prayer today, “May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to You, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” So help me God!

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae