SHOUTS and Whispers

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Scene One
Driving down the highway at 70 mph, I see the brake lights on the car ahead of me. For a few anxious seconds, I don’t think I can stop in time. Finally jerking to a complete stop, I look up to see an ocean of red brake lights ahead of me.

MY MIND SHOUTS : START HONKING YOUR HORN! BLAME EVERYONE FOR YOUR NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE!

My soul whispers : Give thanks for your deliverance from a collision. Pray for the ones three miles up the road who didn’t get that gift of safety.

Scene Two

I don’t know why, but at 12:30 am, I’m awake. Knowing my child is out on a date and should have been home at midnight, I wonder if I missed the required “Wake me when you get home” shoulder shove.

Getting up, I make my way to the next room. Empty bed. After waiting twenty nervous minutes in the living room, my wayward child comes through the door.

MY MIND SHOUTS : WHY ARE YOU LATE? WHY DID YOU MAKE ME WORRY LIKE THIS? HOW COULD YOU BE SO IRRESPONSIBLE?

My soul whispers : Your child stopped to help a friend who was drinking get home safely. Wait calmly to hear this miraculous story of love of neighbor.

Scene Three

I promised myself that I will get up early and complete twenty minutes on the exercise bike. Early morning is best. That way I won’t forget, or run out of time during the day.

The alarm goes off. It’s so cold! I’m surprised by how the chilly the air is in my room. With the shades drawn tight, the room is pitch dark.

MY MIND YELLS : STAY IN BED! GET SOME EXTRA REST, YOU WERE UP LATE LAST NIGHT. IT’S TOO COLD TO GET UP THIS EARLY! ONE SKIPPED DAY WON’T HURT ANYTHING!

My soul whispers : Trials come and trials go. Meet the dark and chill with the resolve that I give you. Come and play with me. You will be blessed.

The Path of Peace

Have you ever noticed how mouthy that inner voice is? Kicking out opinions like a bubble blower, its volume seems to increase with each passing minute. And so reactive! And what are the goals of this bellowing voice?


“How can I make sure everyone knows my opinion?”


“I’m always right.”


“The loudest one wins.”



It’s so easy for me to default to the loudest voice.
Striving to both be at peace, and be a peacemaker, is not an easy process. The road is winding, the gate is narrow. Abandoning that first, knee-jerk reaction, takes a stubborn willingness to take a breath and find the truth behind what I see.

So the next time my inner self ‘goes off’ at some slight, I’ve got to challenge myself. Go deeper, rejecting the loud, insistent foghorn of anger, fear and resentment. I am called to be so much better than that.

I am called to peace, called to forgiveness, called to thanksgiving.





73 thoughts on “ SHOUTS and Whispers ”

  1. Love it, Ceil. That inner dialogue can be brutal – and yes, I also have a rather *noisy* loudmouth in there! I also pray for the power to go beyond the foghorn – and to listen to the still, small Voice.

    GOD BLESS!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Sharon! Yes, that’s such a good phrase for the chatter, “inner dialogue”. Love it! And it’s always the emotional stuff that pours out first. It takes a lot of control for me to hang back and think first.

      I pray I’ll get better at it!
      Have a blessed weekend my friend!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  2. This post is so true. We all tend to behave in a knee-jerk reaction when things go wrong. I know that from experience as I stumble in Faith when things don’t work out for me.

    God knows we’re like that because of our human nature. Our self-preservation comes to the fore. He made us after all, and He forgives such behaviour when we panic a little.

    A priest told me once, when we panic when things are wrong our Faith is not diminished. Rather, it is strengthened. The very fact that we pray, however late, shows that we still believe and trust in God.

    God bless you and your family.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Victor! I am very comforted by what your priest told you. I guess in order to become stronger, we have to experience the weakness first. At least it is a way to getting closer to the Lord. Thank you for that!

      It is definitely human nature. I didn’t think about the self-preservation piece, that’s a good image too. And he does know our reactions before we make them. All a comfort!

      Have a wonderful weekend Victor!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  3. Good morning, Ceil!

    My parents have a name for me…the Peacemaker…

    As one of five girls, I guess I always try to find a way to keep the peace.

    Sometimes it is easier than others! ; )

    Have a peaceful weekend, my friend.

    Reply ↓

    • Good Morning Bille Jo! Thank you for visiting me!

      I think there is always one in the family who takes on that role. I bet you were wonderful at it. My daughter was the ‘playground fixer’ in grade school. She was forever referee-ing the petty squabbles of her friends.

      I think it takes a special person to take on a role like that. It is taking on a lot of the hurt of others, and understanding their pain. I’m sure it has made you the compassionate person you are today. And wonderful mother too!
      God bless you, peacemaker! We need more of you in this world.
      Happy Friday!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Joanne! Thank you for your visit today, it’s so nice to see you.

      God does use a still, small voice. I like your image of ‘leaning in’. It says closeness and intimacy to me. And that is certainly what God wants our relationship with him to be. Love it! Thank you.

      Have a blessed weekend!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  5. Darn those inner voices! My “mind” voice is a lot louder than my “soul” voice. I’m working on changing that. Your thoughts about this are written so beautifully. Have a wonderful weekend Ceil.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Kathleen! Well, we can ‘darn’ those inner voices together! So nice to see that I am not the only one with the reactive talker in my mind. Let’s work on it together, ok?

      Thank you for your uplifting comment too. I really appreciate the encouragement. Thank you too for being such a faithful blog-friend.
      Happy Friday :)
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  6. Hello Friend! Your post hit home for me this morning. I love how you said to “go deeper.” Thank you, Ceil :)

    Also, I got your sweet message on my blog yesterday. My husband and I are in the process of moving into a new home so I have been very sporadic with blogging – yesterday I was painting all day and that is what I will be doing today as well. Anyway, yes, Delvalina and I have been in touch about her package and I have a pick-up slip at The Post Office that I am guessing is her box :) So I will get the mail today and get your lovely gift from Delvalina sent to you.

    Take care, dear Ceil! And have a beautiful weekend! My hubby and I are hoping to be moved in to our new home by the second week of December and I look forward to catching up with you. Hugs!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Stephanie! I had no idea you were moving! Maybe I missed that post? Anyway, of course life comes first, and I hope you will be so happy in your new place. How exciting! You’ll celebrate Christmas in a new home.

      I just mentioned the package because she was worried about it. It is coming an awfully long way :) Thank you so much for being a wonderful friend to her. I know you are such a blessing to so many too.
      Happy Friday!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Linda! Thank you Linda, for your supportive comment. I think we all bow to that first, loud voice sometimes. But we’ll learn each time, right? He will speak, he does speak. I just have to stuff a sock in that mouthy, loud person inside me! We’ll work on it together, ok?

      Happy Friday!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  8. Oh my, Ceil! Do I say that every time I come here? If I do it is because that is exactly what I am feeling when I read the words in this space. I love the format you used..the fact that our mind SHOUTS and our soul whispers is such a wonderful way of expressing our reactions! I know those inner voices all too well. Thank you, Ceil, for your honesty…for the way you express that honesty. Hugs to you, my friend.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Dianna! Thank you for your kind words about the post. I really appreciate the support!
      I used the caps because that’s what my mind sounds like. It’s noisy in there! And usually spouting off crazy stuff. I am amazed at what my mind pops off. Usually pretty stupid! I’m getting a little better at filtering, but I have a long way to go.
      It’s nice to know that I can be honest here, and you will relate, or understand. That is a great gift.

      Hugs to you right back!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  9. Oh Ceil,

    This is just exact same thing for me lately, the two conversation always in battle but when I listen to my soul voice is just so peaceful though it seems not sure and sound stupid, and my mind voice seems right and so yelling, and rebelling it pushed me to do something as my reaction but again my soul voice knows to calm me and give me time to think again.

    But we are the Children of God, the Spirit who lives in us taking control of the things, and I’m blessed to be His beloved :) Thanks for sharing.

    Anyway, it seems like Stephanie got the package today yay!! :)
    I never use express to send the package it sooooo expensive and I couldnt effort so I cant check it, I always use Official Indonesia Postal like almost 5 years to sending package to U.S. and it never get lost. I was worried because I sent Indonesian tea to Stephanie and I was afraid if they dont allow it (things like foods). Thank you for the prayers and thank you to make me calm.
    I love you :)
    Delvalina

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Delvalina! Thank you for your thoughtful comment. Our souls have to work hard at calming us down, don’t they?
      I did hear from Stephanie that she has a package to pick up, so it looks like all is well. I’ll let you know when I get anything in the mail!
      Blessings my dear! And thank you for your care for me. You are such a special blog-friend!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Mari! Thank you for your encouraging comment. I think this is an issue that everyone struggles with…some days are better than others, that’s for sure. It’s good to know that we can all share our common struggles. It helps to know there are friends out there who can relate!

      Have a blessed weekend!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  11. Love your post today, a great reminder to listen to the “still small voice” beckoning at us rather than the loud boisterous one craving our attention. Well done, Ceil!! Have a wonderful weekend. God bless.
    PS I listened to the still small voice this morning and was blessed indeed!!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Natalie! Thank you for your visit today, I know you are not feeling the best right now.
      Great work on the listening to the small voice! Doesn’t it always work out so much better? I don’t know why it’s taking me so long to figure that out…but, day by day I’ll get there.

      Happy Friday!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  12. I need you to speak to me every day, Ceil.
    Your perspectives on life are amazing. Thank you for sharing the Love of the Lord through your blog.
    I hope that you have a blessed weekend….and a beautiful and happy Thanksgiving!
    Love,
    Jackie

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Jackie! I’m so happy to see you, I’ve missed you :)

      I’m so glad that you can relate to what I write. Maybe we are living parallel lives or something? But I do think that everyone struggles with the inner voices that so insistently pull on our ears for attention. Learning what is junk and what is God is a life-long process, don’t you think?
      Well, it is for me!
      I hope you have a blessed weekend too. Thank you for your blog-friendship. And may you have a joyful holiday!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  13. Some version of Scene Three plays out in my mind almost every morning. I’m not a morning person and would much rather stay snuggled in my bed than get up and read my Bible or any other activity. I’m learning to listen to that gentle nudging, though. Slowly but surely. Bit by bit.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Linda! Oh, me too my friend. I love to sleep! My Mom always told me that when you get older, you don’t need as much sleep. Still waiting for that to happen!
      I think we are twins with the ‘bit by bit’ thing too. Love is patient, so God is patience personified. Phew!

      Happy Friday! And thank you for your thoughtful comment.
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  14. Dear Ceil
    Oh I cannot agree more! That not so small loud voice shouting your heart into turmoil and anxiety! Even when we need to tell the truth or confront someone for wrongdoing, we need to do it in love and gentleness. I don’t know about you, but after I have succumbed to that nasty little monster’s voice, it immediately switches over to telling how completely bad and useless I am. But especially at those times we need to remind ourselves to take our eyes off ourselves and fix them firmly on Jesus and Him alone! When we submit ourselves to Him and resist the evil one, he quickly flees with his tail between his legs.
    Blessings XX
    Mia

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Mia! I like that image ‘nasty little monster’. Thank you! And you are right, I feel bad about possibly hurting peoples feelings, even when I didn’t say anything bad. Evils got it’s eyes on me, I think.

      Submit to the Lord, and tell that silly evil to go on it’s way. That’s all it takes. With Jesus, we are stronger. Alleluia!
      Happy Friday!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  15. You describe so vividly the internal discussion that goes on in the different situations, Ceil. Let us be responsive and snesitive to the gentle whispers of the Holy Spirit … getting the perspective right, being thankful and abiding in His loving calling and plan for us … Thank you for being His voice!
    I hope you get a weekend with joyful and peaceful moments,
    Nina

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Nina! Yes, it is all about perspective. Thank you for that insight! If we are waiting for the Lord, we know he doesn’t yell. Too loud might mean the wrong thing.

      Thank you for your supportive comment Nina. You are such a blessing. I pray that your weekend will be restful, and full of beautiful photo opportunities :)
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  16. I am so guilty of this. Sometimes the the first thoughts that come into my brain and sometimes even make their way out of my mouth are so ungodly I’m almost embarrassed to tell you how much! Yes, I always want to be right too. It all starts in the mind…that’s where the battle starts. I am so very thankful for God’s grace and mercy but would love to get to the place in my journey when I don’t have to ask for it so often. Thank you for this eye-opening post.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Debby! You shouldn’t feel embarrassed in front of me, whatever you’ve done I’ve done twice. But it is really embarrassing…I have said some really goofy things in my day.
      I just have to take that step back and really listen past that loud mouth in my head! We’ll get there someday Debby. It’s certainly a process.

      So nice to see you today!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Aneta! Thank you for your encouraging comment, I really appreciate it. I am learning right along with you. At least we are aware of it, and that’s half the battle. The quiet one has the good news.

      Thank you for your visit today, it was nice to see you :)
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  18. I tend to think that the inner voice is the devil wanting to rile us in some way or another. How easily we allow him to work through us. Just yesterday, I had announced that the older girls and I would be going for reconciliation. All day long, the devil through those blocks at me and I wanted to react with the voice in my head instead of my heart. When I finally thought I was too stressed out or tired to go, I realized at that moment that it was the devil that had played with me in hopes of keeping me in my warm, safe house last evening instead of going to confession. I told him to be gone, and yes, the girls and I made it to confession. (and then adoration this morning…just to really give the boot to the devil good and hard :)

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Patty! What a story! And you were the victor, that is so great. Reconciliation and Adoration? I’d say you are full of grace, and your kids too. What a blessing.
      And you recognized the fact that you were being attacked. You had a good insight. God is so good to his people, isn’t he?
      Let’s both be sure to give evil the hard boot! I love that :)
      Blessings to you my friend!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Mindy! So nice to see you today!
      Knowing that we have to drown out the noise helps me to realize loud is not better, it’s just louder. I like your idea of drowning out the noise and tuning our ears to the still, quiet voice.

      Have a good evening!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Nita! I think that’s it exactly. It really is fighting the impulse to react without thinking. And usually is wrong!

      You have a good evening Nita. Thank you for your blessings on my weekend. I wish you the same :)
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  21. Funny your instinctual voice sounds a lot like mine… That’s the voice of the flesh. May we listen to the voice of our Father who dwells within our souls. Thanks for the convicting post…

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Floyd! I think we all have similar voices ‘in the flesh’ as you said. All seeking self, pushing the fear agenda. I join your prayer in listening to the Father. I hope I’ll get better and better at that!

      Thank you for your visit today!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  23. Oh Ceil, I so love coming here. You can always completely relate to the stories you share and love how you always point us to Him. This was super good my friend!
    Much love to you,
    Beth

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Nan! Wow, thanks. I’m so glad you liked it! It sure does seem that my mind likes to bark out all kinds of crazy stuff. I have to take a breath and wait for a calmer approach. I think that’s the voice of God, don’t you?

      Have a great evening :)
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Marcie! Well, I’m glad you did! It’s nice to see you today :)
      That smaller voice really is the peacemaker. If I can hold my mind at bay and wait for the better advice, I’ll be a lot better off.
      Have a blessed Sunday,
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Joy! How nice of you to visit today :)
      It is hard sometimes to choose the right voice, isn’t it? But with the help of the Lord, we’ll do the right thing.
      Have a wonderful Sunday!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  28. Dear Ceil
    I came by to wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving.
    My you experience many blessings and much joy.
    I was just checking my blog and saw your lovely comment, thank you.
    And thank you for this beautiful post, it spoke to my heart.

    I will be back to blogging early in December.
    Please come and visit me as I so enjoy your visits.

    Margie
    x

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Margie! I’m so happy to see you! I hope your month has been a restful one. I look forward to seeing new posts from you next month. I’m so glad you liked this one!

      Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours :)
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  29. Ceil, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I love this post. How often have I let that inner voice win because it was loudest? Too many times. But I learned it wasn’t the best voice to follow – The Holy Spirit is always the wisest choice, isn’t it.

    Kim

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Kim! Blessings on your Thanksgiving too, my friend :)
      You know it! The Holy Spirit is the voice that should win out over all. I think we get distracted and overcome by our human reactions, and miss the still-small voice. Always a work in progress.

      Have a restful Sunday!
      Ceil

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  30. Hi Ceil,
    lovely post, it reminded me of how my carnal mind was telling me this morning ‘ You don’t feel like going to church this morning, don”t go’. Then I thought of how I love praising the Lord within that little gathering. I went, and what a lovely couple of hours I had,I came home feeling so much better than I would have felt if I had not gone. If the still small voice corresponds to what the Holy Spirit has been showing me in the scriptures, then so be it. If not, then it is not the Lord speaking.
    God bless

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Brenda! Congratulations for ignoring your SHOUT voice! The Holy Spirit had so much better in mind for you. What blessings you received at church today…all because you followed your whisper.

      Beautiful! Have a wonderful Sunday!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  32. That first scene touched my heart so vividly. I can definitely relate to this–also as I sometimes struggle with a swift temper–but the payoff of not giving into the knee-jerk reaction and taking time to listen to the truth is worth it!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Rachel! So nice to meet you today, I think through the Christian Bloggers?

      Temper is another way to say it, but I prefer knee-jerk. I think when we’re afraid, we default to anger. I’m learning not to go with that one!
      I pray I’ll slow down and learn to listen deeply.
      Thank you for visiting today :)
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

  33. Hi Ceil, I think the two I’m most guilty of are: 1) I would have shouted at my child and then waited for the explanation and 2) I would fight getting out of bed because I don’t do mornings well and I’m not too fond of exercise (a big problem). The bed would win!
    Such an original way of presenting these troublesome voices that shout the wrong direction at us. I truly enjoyed this post.
    Have a Happy Thanksgiving, Janis

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Janis! I’d probably agree with those too. I LOVE to sleep, and I get so scared for my kids safety, that I’d just start up.
      So much better to wait and breathe and listen. It’s a long road for me!
      It’s great to see you! I loved your photos on your blog. Looks like it was a fun trip.
      Happy Thanksgiving, my friend!
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Susan! Again, let me thank you for your lovely comments on your blog about a post I did. I was very overwhelmed…you are so kind. I really appreciate your blog-friendship.
      Have a wonderful holiday, with the Lords blessings for you and your family.
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Marilyn! That’s a good addition to the theme. If it’s not a soft answer, take a ‘time out’. Love it! Thank you.

      It was so nice to meet you today! I enjoyed my stop at your blog and was inspired by your post. I hope you’ll come again some time :)
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

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