Burning Beneath

With everything happening in the world—Gaza, Sudan, the wars, the hunger, the political chaos—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We scroll through the news, witnessing suffering, injustice, and power struggles that seem far beyond our control, and the question arises: should we speak up, or should we remain silent? To speak is to acknowledge. To voice is to resist. Words shape reality, and silence, too, is a choice—but whose agenda does it serve? Engaging means stepping into the current of change, whether through conversation, protest, writing, or action. But speaking up is not just about volume; it’s about strategy—choosing battles wisely, educating ourselves and others, supporting movements financially or physically, using our platforms to raise awareness, or changing personal habits to align with our values. At the same time, silence is often mistaken for apathy, but what if it is self-preservation? Not everyone has the energy, privilege, or ability to fight every battle. In a world where constant exposure to pain drains the soul, is there wisdom in turning away? Yet when too many turn away, suffering continues unchallenged. If we choose comfort over discomfort, if we don’t speak, who will? Silence can be a form of complicity, but it can also be a moment of gathering strength. The key is knowing when silence is a refuge and when it is surrender. If we speak, we may face backlash, exhaustion, and resistance—but we may also ignite change, however small. If we stay silent, we may feel peace—for a time. But the world moves forward, with or without our voice. The real question is not just whether to speak or stay silent, but whether we are willing to live with the outcome of either choice.