By Danny Minton

I’ve spent all day thinking about what I would like to say in my article this week and have come to the conclusion that I have nothing to say. I do have dozens of stories and illustrations I could choose from, but I couldn’t think of a good way to write them.

I thought about speaking about politics and our government, but then realized it would make everyone mad at me on both sides of the aisle, so I tossed that idea. Next, I thought about the things people struggle with at church, like the temperature in the sanctuary on Sunday morning. I realize that might cause some church splits, so that idea went in the trash. 

I thought some more and wondered if I could just share things about me and all my accomplishments, but that would be bragging, and I would be throwing my humility under the bus. Maybe I could talk about the day at the hospital when I was dealing with five grieving families over the death of loved ones. However, if I did, I might breach confidentiality and get into trouble with the hospital and the patients.

As the day dragged on, I was working outside, and my mind kept trying to come up with an idea. I considered just talking about all the bad habits I see in the people I’m around in all parts of my life. Then I realized if I did that, I would have no friends anymore, and besides, it wouldn’t be a Christian thing to do. So here I sit with nothing to say.

This brings to mind the message that James has in his book. It’s found in chapter three and deals with speaking when you have nothing worthwhile to say. “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and saltwater flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.“ James 3:9-12 (NIV2011) 

Have you ever been around someone who you wish would just shut up? Someone who, with his words, causes problems? Have you ever said something you would like to take back? Our speech can get us into trouble, especially if we have nothing good to say. Paul wrote to the Colossians, “ Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”  Colossians 4:6 (NIV2011) The writer of Proverbs reminds us, “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”  Proverbs 21:23 (NIV2011)

So, my thoughts this week are that even though I have nothing to say, I know I am not alone in this dilemma. However, I do want to leave you with one thought from a well-known scholar. It’s a thought I heard years ago in my youth, and it sticks with me in every part of my life. It’s words to live by when you get ready to speak and have nothing but bad to say. 

“If you can’t say nothing nice, don’t say nothing at all!” Thumper, from “Bambi”

Danny Minton, a member of Southern Hills Church of Christ, is a hospital chaplain