Thin Air, High Hope

I sincerely enjoy collaborating with passionate people—their zeal, urgency, and dedication to making the world better are electrifying. Living with two individuals who are also very focused on justice makes it evident that passion isn’t always easy to carry. When you deeply care, the world’s injustices are not just topics for casual discussion; they demand action.

This leads me to a pressing question, one that others have asked me and I now see taking root in my own children: “How can one person, perhaps within an organization, voice valid concerns without causing defensiveness or being ignored?” An “organization” here could mean anything—a family, a church, a workplace, or a school.

I’m drawn to the story of Nehemiah in the Bible, where different families are assigned sections of a city wall to rebuild. A story plays out in my mind…

One day, a young builder is on her way back to her family’s section of the wall they’re constructing, carrying a pail of water. She notices another group mixing their mortar incorrectly—they’re using the wrong ratio of water to clay. Concerned about the mortar’s weakness but respectful of the older workers, she opts not to say anything and returns to her own group.

This dilemma preoccupies her for the entire day. She doesn’t harbor any resentment towards the other group; her concern is solely for the integrity of the wall, which is vital for the community’s safety. Finally, she confides in an elder within her group. Dismissing her concerns due to her youth and inexperience, the elder advises her to keep quiet.

Unable to shake her worry, she consults another elder. This one offers to accompany her to talk to the group in question. Although frightened, she agrees. Upon reaching the group, the elder aids her in articulating her concerns. The group, however, remains steadfast in their method, stating that their section of the wall appears to be strong. The elder, reluctant to create conflict, agrees that it may be too late for changes.

Both the girl and the elder leave the scene. The elder praises her for her courage and concern, but the young girl is left disheartened. His compliments mean nothing when the real issue—the strength of the wall and the safety of her community—remains unaddressed.

So what should someone do if they see a problem but lack the influence to enact change? And how do those in leadership positions stay receptive to these types of concerns, especially when already burdened with other responsibilities?

I certainly don’t have all the answers, but I believe that initiating open and honest discussions could be a good first step. Personally, I hope to be more than just a nodding ear, avoiding the mistake of dismissing genuine concerns with empty praise.

Curious…

• Have you ever needed to speak up about an issue, but feared you would not be heard? If you spoke up anyway, what was your motivation?
• Have you ever been in a position of leadership where hearing suggestions felt burdensome or overwhelming? How did you find the strength and/or capacity to keep listening?
• Even if we don’t agree with someone else’s perspective, what are some ways we canstill validate in a way that does not feel patronizing or dismissive?