I just watched a YouTube video from a channel I’ve watched for the last couple of years. (Roots and Refuge Farm) Jess is a homesteader and an avid gardener. She and her husband used to be in full-time ministry but now their ‘ministry’ is their farm and by using Youtube and other platforms, they educate people on food sustainability and they encourage people to do what they can do with what they have in front of them.
They are not preppers and they are not fear-based but they are doing what they can do to provide for their family and help others find their own way.
Why do I watch her channel when I don’t have either a garden or a homestead? Her compassion, curiosity, and passion combined with wisdom beyond her years drew me in.
Today, she addressed a problem she has noticed in the comment section of her videos. Some people judge the questions others pose as being stupid or trivial. She gave the example of people taking to task those who asked a simple question. “What clothes do you recommend I buy as I start out on my new little acreage” Some ‘assumed’ the question was fashion-based. Jess assumed the question was a valid one. What does a city girl or guy know about buying clothes that are sturdy enough to take the wear and tear of farm work and that can handle the washing machine again and again? Jess pointed out there are very few actually stupid questions out there. Jess also pointed out that silencing and shaming people who ask questions will do nothing to help others understand the life many of her followers dream of having one day for themselves.
When someone asks a question about your faith, take it as it is, a question! Be kind, gracious, and withhold any suspicion about their motivations in asking the question. Answer them simply, don’t talk down to them but don’t presume they know a lot about the subject. Don’t go into full lecture mode either. They asked a question, they didn’t sign up for a 6 part series on doctrinal theory.
Resist suspecting that those who are asking hard questions are doing so just to set you up. If you have been raised in a particular church or cultural environment, you might not be aware that many things you take for granted are not so obvious to someone who has not been raised in the same background.
Assume a question is coming from a heart that is genuinely curious and you’ll find you have a lot more grace for those few who truly are just trying to be annoying.
All Bible references, unless indicated, are from the NASB 1995 edition.
©2021 Katherine Walden