Something to Talk About
I love music from the “Golden Oldies.” My understanding that this genre of music is of the 1950’s and 60’s. Great Hip-hop, rock and roll, and folk music. Listening to it takes me down memory lane. One particular song I am reminded of is Silence is Golden which was recorded by two different groups in the 1960’s, The Four Seasons and The Tremeloes.
One lyric phrase of the song reads, “Silence is golden, but my eyes still see.” The song describes deception between a man and woman regarding their relationship. “How many times will she fall for his lies. Should I tell her or should I be cool?” Let’s consider the question, should people be silent?
Perhaps you have heard or been told one of the following: “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all,” or, “Better keep your mouth shut if you don’t want to get into trouble.” Within the last decade, government officials, be they local, state or federal, have made a request of the public. If you see something, say something, was the call for assistance in preventive action towards crime. Sadly, that is not a priority with a great many people. Maybe they don’t want to get involved, or they fear repercussions from bad people. It is a judgement call a person has to make.
But consider keeping silent on a larger scale. Why is prayer not allowed in public schools anymore? Why was abortion ever allowed? Why, is same sex marriage and LGBTQ so rampant? Why are riots and violence in America’s cities taking place (June 2025). These issues go beyond Trump Derangement Syndrome. For his involvement is in the timing. In today’s social and political environment any person that would speak and do what he is doing would be attacked. Yet, he was elected president.
Folks, I think this country is on the verge of a great spiritual revival. As I travel the streets and high-ways in this country, I see signs and billboards standing tall and announcing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Recently, I walked the streets of a large city and saw young people wearing shirts inscribed with words in recognition of Jesus. The TV mini-series “The Chosen” has become a popular program for viewers. Pro-athletes are publicly demonstrating their Christian faith.
The writer of the Old Testament book, Ecclesiasies, of the Holy Bible states in chapter 3 verse 7 the following: “A time to tear apart, and a time to sew together. A time to be silent, and a time to speak.”
Opposition to the issues listed above does not have to be one of conflict, but rather one of conviction. Conviction by the Holy Spirit as a result of testimony and witnessing from believers.
OK. The time to be silent has come and gone. Followers of Jesus Christ, it is no longer time to be silent. Stand firm and proclaim the Gospel.
Walter Allen is a graduate of TCHS and Auburn University. He is retired from the paper industry and is a published author. A former president of the Laurens County Museum Assoc. in Laurens, SC. He lives in Tuscaloosa County, AL.
