Silent Support

I don’t know where I stand on people who are silently supportive of the right thing during a crisis but do not act, vocalize, or otherwise go out on a limb.  On one hand I am sympathetic to their predicament.  If they take a stand they could risk everything they think is precious.  Their family income, future opportunities with the organization, and even the working relationships they have with those around them.  Yet they know the truth.  They have a strong sense of the right thing to do.  Give truth and knowledge, the questions we face do not go away.  Is truth and what is right never our concern?  Is standing up for those under attack something we can be excused from?  Can we not come to aid of those who in a weak position?
 
And yet people sit silently.  Injustice, unresolved relationship failures, and evil are left to fade with time.  The facts, truth, and feelings involved quietly drift into nothingness except for those with torn hearts. 
 
I find myself treasuring the contributions of those who were sacrificed in the name of politics.  I wish I could have taken a stronger stance in the crisis.  I do know that over time my position was well know, internally, externally, and personally.  I find myself following the models set by many before me.  One example came during the moments following Jesus death.  “After all this, Joseph of Arimathea (he was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, because he was intimidated by the Jews) petitioned Pilate to take the body of Jesus.  Pilate gave permission. So Joseph came and took the body.” (John 19.38)
 
There are two observations I would make from personal experience.
 
First the obvious; history is for learning from, not dwelling on and in.  Yesterday’s failures can help.  We can learn.  We can utilize our experiences to increase our wisdom.  Yet we cannot change what was. 
 
Second, the real question sits with us.  What will we do today, in this moment?  Silence can be a powerful answer.  Whatever we do, be intentional and thoughtful.