Opposition

Prepare
     for opposition.

Expect
      antagonizing remarks
      adamant disapproval
      severe hostility
         at something you may or
                                  may never
                                     have meant,
                                         or even said.

Big or small,
  harsh or constructive,
              criticism will come.

No one
   is liked
          by everyone.

It will be difficult.
You won’t like it.

You may not agree
   with how your words are taken
                  or
   with the replies you receive.

You might feel defensive
                  or angry.
   But you will need
                     to
                     slow
                     down,
                     get used to it,
                     even accept it – for now.

Take the time to
             rest
             pause
                  first
                     before responding –
                              if at all.

Your part
   is important,
      but realize
              there is something much larger at work
                          than just you.
You are not
   insignificant.
      But it is not
               all
            up to you.

Trust
   that you are here
                  for a reason
      even if you are uncomfortable
           or don’t feel equipped
                  to do this.

It is never easy
      to speak
      or accept
               truth,
                  even when it is spoken
                             in love.

But truth and love
   in their original form
           were never meant to be separate.
                             They are one.

And the truth
            needs
            to be told.
                    By you.