First Baptist Church of Herndon

Start by Listening

Linda Soller | Aug 29, 2016

The Book Bunch gathered for their August book discussion. The topic was “Go Set a Watchman” by Harper Lee. We had just discussed “To Kill a Mockingbird” in June. There was a sense of trepidation in the air. In light of our country’s current condition the book we just read opened a few doors which some were hesitant to go through. No one wanted to hurt or offend anyone else. Yet the seats were full, another person would have meant moving to a bigger room. A good sign I think because we came to listen and discuss, and that is where we must begin. Needless to say we all struggled with this older Atticus, but were sincerely pleased with the grown up Scout. Harper Lee introduced Scout and her readers to the real world Atticus, not exactly the child’s view we held from before. Let me pause and say our group also agreed that if Gregory Peck played the older Atticus in a movie we felt we would see him differently; I mean it is Gregory Peck.  Atticus was the epitome of a listener. He asked questions, he paused, he contemplated, and eventually said his piece.

Earlier that day K had given a sermon on Jesus’ Sunday healing of the woman who had been bent and crippled for eighteen years. K had touched on the indignant religious leaders having a moment of awakening when Jesus forced them to listen to what they were saying. When they stopped raising angry voices they were quieted by the message Jesus gave. They listened.

In the Drop-In class the same day we had discussed what it meant to be judgmental. You know that situation where your opinion morphs into judgement of others. Suddenly you may see those who beg to differ from you as “something less.” They appear to you as something less of a citizen, or a Christian, or a neighbor, and so on.  Opinion to judgment can be a slippery slope.

Scout struggled with the realization that her town, friends, and family were not exactly what they seemed to be when she was a child. Going away and returning had given her a new perspective. But she was Scout, and to her listening did not come easy. When her very core was shaken by the thought that Atticus might not be what she had always believed him to be, she judged, yelled, and accused him of being too human. Indeed, he was showing human frailties that Scout found difficult to understand, and nearly impossible to accept.

Whether we are Scouts, or powerful leaders, or people who let their opinions become judgments, we must listen to others if we are to understand. In a world where fear often prevails we must listen to our fears and challenge them, or else they win. Every day no matter your nationality, religion, age, race, gender, or financial situation you must face the world which will sometimes feel hostile. At some point, if you want to understand and to be understood, you will have to start by listening.

Have a great week!    : o)  Linda