Hello By My Side friends,
I hope this post finds you well today. Wondering how your Lent is going? Are any of you boycotting the news out there these days? I hear of folks who are giving up watching the news for Lent. There just seems to be so many distressing occurrences in the world these days.
Today, I want to tell you about an exchange I had recently with someone close to me. Not too long ago, we were discussing an incident that we were both struggling with. I was about to explain a viewpoint that I was very passionate about.
As I was beginning to share, I was interrupted and completely cut off, with no interest in what I was about to say. In light of this exchange, or lack thereof, I want to share with you some “food for thought” that I learned a long time ago from Helen Mirren. I am hoping that you will find this helpful.
Before you argue with someone, ask yourself this question: Is that person even mentally mature enough to grasp a different point of view? If not, there is no point in trying to give yours. Not every argument is worth your time and energy. Sometimes, no matter how clearly you express yourself, the other person isn’t listening to understand – they are listening to react.
They are stuck in their own perspective, unwilling to consider another viewpoint. So engaging with them only drains you. There is 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 are wrong, but because they are not willing to see another side.
Maturity is not about who wins an argument – it’s about knowing when an argument isn’t worth having. It’s realizing that your peace is much 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 some people are not ready to listen. And that’s not your burden to carry.
I hope your journey through Lent this year brings you closer to our Lord and proves to be fruitful and filled with God’s graces, mercy, and abundant peace for you and your families. Blessings to you all.
MJ xo
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