No question is EVER stupid


“There are naive questions, tedious questions, ill-phrased questions, questions put after inadequate self-criticism. But every question is a cry to understand the world. There is no such thing as a dumb question.” ― Carl Sagan


No question is EVER stupid.

We should never be afraid to ask questions and those receiving the questions should never mock or make fun of questions received. What might appear silly to you may be a genuine concern for someone else or they simply don’t know the answer. We learn by asking questions, what would happen if we told our children that their questions were stupid—they would be upset, offended and stop asking. Adults can also be upset by these sorts of comments too.

I work as a researcher and provide information to a select range of clients. I always tell my clients “there is no stupid questions” and that I will assist them any way I can. I never make fun of their questions, I never belittle their questions, I never tell others that the questions I have just received are stupid and I always respond with cheerfulness. This is my approach in life—kindness and care goes a long way. Have compassion to those around you.

Whether the questions come to you face-to-face, via email, on Facebook or on your own personal blog — it is critical to be respectful of any question you are ask and ALWAYS respond with grace and kindness. If someone comes to you with a question that you simply don’t agree with there are many ways of responding that are not offensive. Always respond with gentleness —hitting someone over the head tends to have the opposite effect.

Something I have noticed in social media — people appear far more  rude and nasty, but would they be the same if the conversation was face-to-face, probably not.

To older women, when guiding younger women, do it with care, with understanding, with love. Listen to their questions and answer appropriately. Older women have been told to teach, not lecture.  Older women have been told to teach and not make fun of younger women and their questions. Being Christlike is so important, making fun of questions and referring to them as stupid is not acting like a Christian woman.

There are many non Christian women who drop by and whilst their questions may appear stupid to some, these are often women in search of something which they are not quite sure of. Topics like submission, home-making and helpmates are confusing to them (alien in some instances), one needs to always remember this when talking to these ladies — they come as infants and no nothing of Christ and His love and they need to be taken by the hand and treated with respect and care. Telling them that all that they do is wrong will not change their hearts. One of the responsibilities of a teacher is know how to teach many different types of people with many different life experiences and knowledge. 

I welcome all questions and I will answer them all. It doesn’t matter if we don’t agree, what matters is how we conduct our conversation.

No questions will be deleted (unless they are advertising or trolling). I don’t want my blog to only show those comments that support me, I love seeing the diversity of women and their comments.      

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24)


Comments

  1. Replies
    1. Thankyou - we should never be afraid of questions, in fact we should be encouraging them :)

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  2. Love this!!!! Glad to know you don't laugh at my crazy questions... :)

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    1. as I tell my clients, no question is ever crazy or silly - and yours never are :))) Keep them coming!

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  3. It is good to find someone who encourages people to ask questions and treat them with respect. I agree that treating someone with respect is the way that connections are made with people that can lead to relationships.
    I really appreciate the word of wisdom that you share on your blog. They reveal a true wisdom that comes from relationship with the Lord; and therefore they are words of eternal value

    Thank you

    Blessings

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    1. Kezzie, as an older woman, I welcome any question because that is how one learn and grow and it does' matter how simple the question is. We should never be afraid of any question and whilst some may be challenging and difficult, they should never stop us trying to answer them or looking for the answers together. I never saw the role of an older woman as being the teacher with the stick. Those teachers that I had at school that hit me over the head, taught me nothing, those with gentleness and care did a way better job. In God's perfect Love :)

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  4. I am guilty of saying this, usually I am speaking about myself. I do agree with you, we need to encourage questions. I have always told my kids that there are no stupid questions, I need to stop saying I have stupid questions too. Thank you for this post!

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    1. At work I will have clients ringing me up and saying "you will probably think this is a stupid question" and I always reply that no question is silly and it doesn't matter how simple or complex it is, I will do my best!!

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