Hold Your Peace by Sara L. Foust

Hold Your Peace

Sara L. Foust

The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. Exodus 14:14 KJV

We are all most likely familiar with the phrase uttered at weddings, “Speak now or forever hold your peace.” But holding my peace isn’t something I’ve ever really thought about outside of that one particular setting. Until now. I was recently in a heated argument with someone I felt had said something disrespectful to me. My anger instantly spiked and I, at least the first time, politely requested a change of his tone. But, because I was already angry, when he argued and wasn’t willing to see my side at all, I launched into a heated—and inappropriate—argument. Both our tempers got the better of us and the conversation spiraled very quickly. Afterward I was left feeling disappointed in and frustrated with myself. I know that arguing with this person gets me nowhere. Nothing I say can change his mind. But I did it anyway and felt worse after the fact. Why is it that I can never seem to remember to hold my peace?

I think it is because I often, in the heat of the moment, forget the first half of this scripture. In our society, we are raised from an early age to defend ourselves and others against injustices. I believe it is true we should help others and that if there is an injustice we can help remedy, in a lawful, prayerful way, we should. Lawyers, judges, police officers, and others in this line of work do it every day. However, in my everyday life, I’m not sure God means for me to fight every single injustice in such an intense way. I believe He would, instead, like for me to ask which battles I need to stand against and which I should allow Him to stand against—without me.

It is so hard, when emotions are high and tempers are flared, to take a step back and ask God for guidance. I have to learn to do it more often and to do it better. There is no point in me fighting something God already has His hand on. There is no reason for me to battle to the point of tears and exhaustion when God is already fighting. It’s like comparing a kitten fighting against a wolf and a lion fighting against that same wolf. It’s pretty obvious who will win, isn’t it?

If I have suffered an injustice, a true injustice that has brought me or someone else harm, God cares about that. He cares that I need help to muddle through to victory and peace of mind. Though His ultimate victory may not look like what I envision, I can rest assured He is fighting—with all His power and might—to help me. Knowing that, and truly believing it, allows me to hold my peace (my tongue) while maintaining the peace inside that only He can give. I am thankful I don’t have to fight my battles alone. And even more thankful that sometimes I don’t have to fight at all, because He already is, and He certainly doesn’t need my help.

About Rarity Mountain by Sara L. Foust

On the surface, SIMON FINCUFF and FERN STRONGBOW have nothing in common. Simon has served his sentence, but his past conviction still haunts him. Fern is a veterinarian and grew up on an off-the-grid homestead. The one thing they share? Each has a dark secret they would do almost anything to protect.

When their current careers are yanked away, they are left scrambling to pick up the pieces. A reality television show falls into their paths, offering a life-changing opportunity that tests their resolve and their faith.

These two unlikely partners must battle to survive for thirty days in the untouched wilderness of Rarity Mountain with only a handful of survival items and a director who is out for drama, no matter the cost. With their lives and their carefully guarded skeletons on the line, they will discover how far they are willing to go to win the million-dollar prize for Survival Tennessee.

Buy Links:

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1945094737

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1130715034?ean=9781945094743

Sara is a multi-published, award-winning author and homeschooling mother of five who writes surrounded by the beauty of East Tennessee. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is the author of the Love, Hope, and Faith Series, which includes Callum’s Compass (2017), Camp Hope (2018), and Rarity Mountain (March 2019).  She also has a story, “Leap of Faith,” in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone and a novella, Of Walls (November 2018). Sara finds inspiration in her faith, her family, and the beauty of nature. When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading, camping, and spending time outdoors with her family. To learn more about her and her work or to become a part of her email friend’s group, please visit www.saralfoust.com. 

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