“A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn…”

Lyrics to O Holy Night, by Adolphe Adam

Before You Argue with Someone

Helen Mirren once said: “Before you argue with someone, ask yourself, is that person even mentally mature enough to grasp the concept of a different perspective. Because if not, there’s absolutely no point.

Not every argument is worth your energy. Sometimes, no matter how clearly you express yourself, the other person isn’t listening to understand—they’re listening to react. They’re stuck in their own perspective, unwilling to consider another viewpoint, and engaging with them only drains you.

There’s a difference between a healthy discussion and a pointless debate. A conversation with someone who is open-minded, who values growth and understanding, can be enlightening—even if you don’t agree. But trying to reason with someone who refuses to see beyond their own beliefs? That’s like talking to a wall. No matter how much logic or truth you present, they will twist, deflect, or dismiss your words, not because you’re wrong, but because they’re unwilling to see another side.

Maturity isn’t about who wins an argument—it’s about knowing when an argument isn’t worth having. It’s realizing that your peace is more valuable than proving a point to someone who has already decided they won’t change their mind. Not every battle needs to be fought. Not every person deserves your explanation.

Sometimes, the strongest thing you can do is walk away—not because you have nothing to say, but because you recognize that some people aren’t ready to listen. And that’s not your burden to carry …”      Posted March 8 on Facebook by Serendipity Corner         

In our stillness

Evelyn Michelle, author of The Soft Power Journal wrote that “Stillness isn’t passive. It’s powerful. It’s the space where you choose yourself over the need to be right. It’s where you release control, not because you’ve given up, but because you’ve risen above. It’s where you remember that not everything deserves a response, and not everyone deserves a seat at your table.

It’s in that space—between the trigger and the response—that we reclaim our soft power. That we remind ourselves we are not puppets pulled by strings of emotion or insecurity. We are the string-cutters. The pattern-breakers. The peace-holders. And that means knowing when to speak and when to stay still.

There will always be noise. Always be drama. Always be people who try to test your growth. But you don’t have to take the bait. You don’t have to prove how far you’ve come. Let your peace do the talking. Let your energy be too expensive for nonsense. Let your stillness become your softest—and strongest—move yet.”

To read the entire article: https://thesoftpowerjournal.com/2025/05/26/the-soft-power-strategy-of-stillness-why-not-reacting-is-sometimes-your-loudest-move/

Silent Night, Holy Night

He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.  They were glad when it grew calm. And He guided them to their desired haven.  Psalm 107:29-30  NIV

In the still of the night, a great company of angels came to the shepherds and said  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to men on whom his favor rests”.  Luke 2:13,14

It was now about the sixth hour and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining…” Luke 23:44,45  NIV

In the storm, in the crashing of waves in our lives, in the still of the night when all seems kinda scary, in the darkness of our lives, great miracles can happen.  Watch for them, be alert for them, and praise the One who brings them. LK