Scribed In Light

In today’s world, conversations – whether in person, online, across various platforms – carry more weight than ever before, with the rise of social media, we have unlimited access to discussions, perspectives, and the ability to engage in meaningful dialogue. But somewhere along the way, something shifted.

Conversations no longer build bridges – they burn them.

Disagreements are no longer exchanged- they are wielded.

Words are no longer tools for expressing, sharing, understanding – they have become weapons for domination.

And most dangerous – many don’t even realize when they’ve chosen to cross the line.

when conversations become corrosive

It often begins subtly – a difference of opinion, a contrasting view, a question posed in curiosity. But then, the shift begins:

1. Doubt is cast not just on the idea, but on the person.
   • “You actually believe that?”
   • “You must be incredibly naïve.”
2. Mockery replaces discussion.
   • Sarcasm and ridicule take over.
   • The goal is no longer to understand, but to demean.
3. Belittlement escalates into verbal aggression and assault.
   • “How could you be so ignorant?”
   • “People like you are the problem with the world.”
   • “You must have been brainwashed.”
   • “People like that are FREAKS“
4. The attack expands to others.
   • Anyone who disagrees is lumped into one sum together, and ridiculed or silenced.
   • It’s no longer about conversation – it’s about control.

The moment a discussion stops being about mutual understanding and becomes a battlefield of pride, mockery, and verbal destruction – the conversation is no longer about truth. It has become about power and dominance.

And that is the point where many lose themselves.

the danger of justifying verbal destruction

I personally feel that one of the most alarming realities casually presenting today, is how easily people justify their own uncontrolled aggression.

• Some use intellect as a shield: “I’m not being rude, I’m just stating facts.”
• Others use faith as a justification: “I’m standing for righteousness – I have the right to tear this down.”
• Some use personal offense as permission: “I have a right to be angry – I don’t need to be respectful.”

But the reality is this:

When a person demeans, belittles, mocks, or attacks another, they have already abandoned truth. Because truth does not need cruelty to be effective.

Truth stands on its own.

It does not need sarcasm to be sharp.

It does not need anger to be powerful.

It does not need pride to be right.

If you have to trample another person to make your point, you aren’t speaking truth – you’re asserting control. And that is where true danger lies.

recognizing and responding to toxic conversations

So how do we recognize these moments before they consume us? How do we protect ourselves and others from being caught in this downward spiral?

1. Recognize the Shift
   • Ask yourself:
   • Is this conversation still respectful, or is it turning into an attack?
   • Am I engaging with someone who is listening, or someone who only wants to dominate?
   • Are words being used to explore or to erode?
2. Set Boundaries & Redirect

When a conversation turns from discussion into destruction, you have the right to stop engaging. You can say:

• “I’m open to discussion, but i won’t participate in insults or intimidation.”
• “If we can’t respect each other’s voices, this conversation is not productive.”
• “I value conversation, but I won’t fight for or tolerate dominance.”

The moment you refuse to engage in toxicity, you remove its power.

3. Defend Others When You See It Happening

• When someone is being ridiculed or attacked, step in.
• Say “Let’s focus on the discussion, not personal attacks.”
• If the environment is too hostile, privately message the person being attacked and remind them they are not alone.

Silence enables destruction. Speaking truth creates accountability.

4. Know When To Walk Away.

No one is obligated to sit in a space where their worth is being trampled. Walking away is not a weakness- it is wisdom. If someone is engaging only to mock, belittle, or control – you do not owe them a response. You are not obligated to entertain toxicity.

Sometimes, the most powerful statement you can make is to leave the battlefield altogether.

we must be the ones to change this

The culture of verbal destruction, public humiliation, and superiority-driven engagement will not stop until people choose to resist it.

• We must refuse to entertain aggression in conversations.
• We must stand up for others when they are being belittled.
• We must speak truth with clarity – but without cruelty.
• We must lead by example – showing that strength is not in dominance, but in dignity.

This world does not need more voices shouting for control. It needs more voices speaking truth with grace. And the ones who carry light must be the ones to lead the way.

This is not just about politics, religion, or personal beliefs. This is about basic human decency. We will not always agree. We will not always see eye to eye. But if we cannot learn to disagree without demeaning, we have already lost far more than an argument. We have lost our ability to honor the humanity in one another. And that – more than any opinion, belief, or stance – is the true danger we face today.

Let us be the ones who choose better. Because in reality…and within simplicity…that is exactly what it resolves down to – a mere choice.

Choose your words with care, with wisdom, with grace. Shape the world around you in truth – not in arrogance, tyranny, persecution, or oppression. Remember: where dignity leads, division fades.

James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

I will further add a personal note here:

This blog post is rooted in personal experience. Recently, I witnessed my sister’s dear and long-time friend – someone she had lovingly embraced as family – choose to behave in a way that was anything but. It was not just directed at my beloved sister, but also toward my adored niece, my cherished daughter, and my dear Aunt. Her words and actions were beyond disagreement; they turned into mockery, provocation, and the encouragement of undeserved ridicule among strangers on my sisters platform.

I want you to know how deeply this affected me. It sickened me to my core. It even angered me- the entitlement behind her degradation of others simply because they held a different perspective was staggering. I was incredulous at the ease with which she slandered those who did not share her views. And in that moment it was no longer about my sister’s personal stance; the focus had shifted to this woman’s response. What saddened me most was that this individual could not see the reflection of herself in all that toxicity she was spewing. Truly, it just broke me for her.

Writing this post today required a great deal of self-awareness, restraint, and composure. I had to step outside of my own emotions to offer you the most honest and unbiased insight I could. Because the heart of this post is not about one person or one experience- it is about all of us.

We should not be challenging one another over our differences; we should be challenging ourselves to find what is right within them.

And to my sister, my niece, and my daughter, my endearing Aunt – your strength in standing firm, in choosing grace over retaliation, in using your voice for what is right- THIS is what I honor today.

Your dignity is unwavering. Your kindness remains unshaken. And your willingness to stand for others, even when it is easier to remain silent, is a testament to the beauty, purity, and truth of you hearts.

I see you.

I am proud of you.

And I Love You.

In light, love and grace,

Tina