Day 50: Well Shut My Mouth

Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind. He said: Who is this who obscures my counsel with ignorant words? Get ready to answer me like a man; when I question you, you will inform me. Where were you when I established the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who fixed its dimensions? Certainly you know! Job 38:1–5

We’ve spent enough time together at this point for you to pick up on the fact that I’m a bit of a mama bear when it comes to my daughter Missy. And when someone threatens my cub, well, I sometimes overreact a teensy bit. As was the case a few years ago when I had an exploratory conversation with an administrator at a private Christian school I was considering enrolling her in. About midway through the conversation, when she was dutifully explaining their policy regarding students taking prescription meds on school property for medical conditions like diabetes or asthma, I told her that Missy didn’t need to take meds during the school day because I administered her HIV meds at home.

At which point this lady looked at me completely flabbergasted, then replied nervously, “I wasn’t aware your daughter had HIV.” I said, “Yes ma’am, she does. Although by the grace of God the virus is completely undetectable in her bloodstream, which is much like being in remission if you have cancer or leukemia.” After quietly digesting that information for a few seconds, she asked soberly, “But what if she cuts her head at school and it starts bleeding?”

Even though I could feel my blood starting to heat up, I answered very calmly and rationally, “Well, then according to state law you’d treat her like you would any other student or teacher who had a bleeding wound, you’d glove first and then apply a bandage. Or if it was a real gusher, you’d apply pressure, call 911 then call me.”

I promise I was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt—the true facts about HIV often take some time to learn—that is, until she lowered her boom of ignorance by asking, “But what if one of the other students eats off her plate at lunchtime?” I took a deep breath to make sure my tone was non-combative and my expression was friendly before responding, “You know it would probably help for me to explain how HIV is transmitted.”

Then I leaned a little closer and explained in very graphic sexual terms how the virus is most commonly transmitted, and must confess I rather enjoyed watching her eyes widen and red splotches begin to appear on her face and neck. I finished with a flourish adding, “Oh and lastly, there’s IV drug use—for instance when people shoot heroine with shared, dirty needles. But since I don’t think any of those activities are permitted at your school and since there’s never been a reported incident of HIV being transmitted through casual contact like sharing lunch or a kiss or even sitting on the same toilet seat, there’s really no chance that my daughter’s illness could be considered contagious in this environment. As a matter of fact, statistically speaking, it’s more likely that one of your students will be eaten by a Great White Shark right here in landlocked Tennessee than ‘catch’ HIV from my kid.”

There was such a long silence following my vivid (albeit medically accurate) explanation that I finally interjected perkily, “You know, I believe the best way we can eradicate the stigma surrounding HIV is through open communication and on-going education so I’d be happy to share this information at the next parents’ meeting!” At which point she blurted, “Oh no, NO Miss Harper, that won’t be necessary!”

I still get tickled when I think about her stupefied expression, and now her face is the image I see when I read Job’s response to God’s lecture. I mean, mere moments before this response from God, Job had been stomping around, waving his fist at heaven and demanding an audience with the Creator of the Universe. And then, upon God lowering the boom, he changes his tune and responds ever so meekly:

“I’m speechless, in awe—words fail me. I should never have opened my mouth! I’ve talked too much, way too much. I’m ready to shut up and listen.” (Job 40:3–5 msg)

• When has God interrupted you lately—effectively shutting your mouth in the middle of a complaint—and reminded you that you actually aren’t in charge of the universe?
• Why do we sometimes need forthright reminders from God about His power and control instead of subtle hints?
• How do you usually respond in your heart when God shuts your mouth?