In Moments of Silence

Our world is inundated with noise. Cell phones, radios, and MP3 players blast sound into our poor eardrums. Computers and televisions bombard us with information - useful or otherwise.

Scientific studies have shown that the average American feels uncomfortable after twelve seconds of silence. Why?

I would like to propose that we are afraid of silence.

The saying "ignorance is bliss" holds true in many ways, as I'm sure everyone can understand from personal experience. Sometimes the truth hurts. Life isn't always pretty, but in America we tend to hide it behind a screen of noise.

Silence is a precious thing. When we are silent - completely silent, not trying to distract ourselves - we tend to think. When we think rationally, we come to realizations about our world that can radically change our lives.

Take abortion, for instance. Most abortion advocates support this "procedure" with a blind faith, hiding behind catchy slogans like "Reproductive freedom," "Education and equality," and "Protect women's health." (Note: all of the above were taken directly from the website of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc.)

A few years back, some rather intelligent people got the idea into their heads to film an abortion "from the victim's point of view." Using ultrasound, they actually recorded the an 11-week unborn child trying desperately to avoid the end of the suction machine that eventually claims its life. At one point in the video, as the child is being literally dismembered, he opens his mouth in what the video describes as a "silent scream." It's chilling.

And yet, it happens every day. It's like the philosophical question, "If a tree falls in the middle of the forest, and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" These children are being massacred on a daily basis, and they can't make a sound.

Maybe if we spent a little more time in silence, we would be able to hear more. Maybe if we turn off our phones, MP3 players, and televisions, we would be able to appreciate the world around us a little better.

Maybe we would realize just how messed up we really are.

Now that's a scary thought.


God bless,
PHC