You Don’t Get To Say That.

I try hard not to write my frustrations all that much. Truth is, when I’m annoyed or agitated about something, I’ve learned to sit with it, to calm, to think it over before I put pen to paper. When you know you’re a person who makes decisions emotionally before logically, it can often get you into spots you regret later. But what I’m about to share with you just didn’t sit right, and there’s a time where you need to let it out and ask yourself the question, "What will I allow?"

I ran into an acquaintance I hadn’t seen for years last month. I had an hour free and so did she, so we went for a coffee. It was honestly great to catch up—until it wasn’t. We spoke about our families and what the past few years held for us both, and then my acquaintance mentioned someone we both knew and said this: “So you know they are taking anxiety meds. They shouldn’t be in leadership at the church.”

As I stuffed the last bite of my cinnamon banana bread into my mouth, I began shaking my head and spoke around the cake tumbling in my mouth. “No, you don’t get to say that. You don’t get to have an opinion or judgment about their walk with God or where He has placed them.”

I want to say that we discussed it further or that the coffee date ended in a way where both of us said we would catch up again soon… but it didn’t, and I had offended her.

I was angry on my drive home. I know that coffee date could have gone a different way if I had let it. I could have kept quiet, not called her out. I could have falsely agreed and essentially turned it into gossip. I know in hundreds of coffee dates of the past, I did that. I was a part of that. I judged things I’m ashamed of. But these days, God has taught me better than that.

He’s taught me to keep my eyes on Jesus, because let’s be honest, our own walks are hard enough. He’s taught me that everyone has their own battles to fight, and only He knows their struggles. I may have just had a glimpse to what they are walking through. He’s also shown me it’s time to call things out without fear when the behavior or conversation needs to stop.

The truth is, standing up for what’s right can be uncomfortable. It can lead to awkward moments and even lost friendships. But I’ve learned that maintaining my integrity and staying true to the lessons God has taught me is worth more than avoiding a bit of discomfort. In that moment, I chose to stand up for someone who wasn’t there to defend themselves. I chose to challenge a harmful and judgmental comment. And while it may have cost me an old acquaintance, I gained something much more valuable: peace of mind knowing I did the right thing.

Love Sarah x.

*Thank you so much for journeying with me through every single post. I pray they continue to bless you and those around you that may need encouragement. Please continue to share, comment and support this space.