Your Certainty Leaves No Space For Me

I am reposting a comment I left on my friend, Craig's website this morning - Recycle Your Faith

In late May of this year, I heard Louise (from South Africa) share that after making a presentation - a woman came up to her.  The woman asked Louise if she could offer a suggestion for future talks.  She told Louise that the certainty with which she spoke about the subject had left no space for her to express her voice and her experience - because her experience was different from Louise's certainty.

It has haunted me ever since.  

“Your certainty leaves no space for me.” – I find myself saying this a lot. It is a reminder to me. Am I leaving space for others?

Some things I feel and know so strongly that when I express my certainty – it leaves no room for others to express their experience, perceptions, truths, or beliefs that may be different than my own. I feel convicted to think I have shut out others with my certainty.  

It is only a recent awareness. I thought being certain was a good thing. I am re-thinking that.

How can I have a conversation – dialog with another – if I am leaving no “space” for them?

When I think on this scripture – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:7-9 – I am reminded how arrogant we humans can be to think we know the mind of God.

Love God, love your neighbor.

Have I cheated them and myself by not hearing their voices?  I think, yes - I am less because I have lost this opportunity to hear their voice.  As I leave space for other voices, my capacity is expanded - their capacity is expanded.  The world is richer for it.

I invite you to join me in setting aside your certainty and in leaving space for other voices.