One of the dangers of working in the communication field is that we are sometimes called upon to speak, write or perform even when we have nothing to say.

We have deadlines. They're a necessary evil in the communication field. And they produce results. It's not that we work best under pressure--some of us work only under pressure. These deadlines keep us producing.

But there's a spiritual danger here. We have to publish, regardless of whether what we have is good or bad. We have to go on the air, regardless of whether or not we have anything worth saying. We see in the Bible that God speaks in a still, small voice. But we can't allow ourselves to be quiet enough to hear that voice. We can't broadcast dead air. We can't print empty pages. We can't step up to the podium and remain silent. God says "Be still and know that I am God," but we have to keep publishing. If we have nothing to say, we must say it anyway--and say it with all the conviction we can muster. If we don't have a word from God, we have to settle for a word from ourselves. We write without inspiration.

The danger of producing the trivial and calling it meaningful is that you can forget the difference. Don't fall into this trap. When you dig down deep and find nothing, don't try to dress it up like it's something. If you're a communicator with a deadline but you have nothing to say, see if you can find an alternative. Reprint something. Rebroadcast an old show. Find a guest speaker whose substance can offset your temporary void.

If nothing else, you can always print or read Scripture. At least then you know your words will be inspired!

Doug Trouten
Chair, Communication Department