Today you are free, even encouraged, to ask a “stupid question.” Why? Because it’s “Ask a Stupid Question Day,” a day that teachers in the 1980s created to get students to ask more questions. I wonder if some teachers are now warning, “Be careful what you wish for?”
In my job, I sometimes think every day is “Ask a Stupid Question Day.” I work with graduate students and try to help them keep their research on track. They ask, “Have you got a minute? I have a quick question for you.”
“My students think my name is ‘Google,'” I tell my husband. I fantasize about one day replying to their statement, “I have a quick question” with “Sorry, I am only answering long questions today.”
I remind myself that most of the time, I do have the answer. Or at least we can figure out the problem together. All the students appreciate my answers—especially when they turn out to be right.
Disciples asked some frustrating questions
Consider some of the questions the disciples asked Jesus. We think, “How could they not know what he is talking about?” Even Jesus got frustrated.
In Mark 4, they didn’t understand the parable of the sower. Jesus asked them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand all the parables?”
We need to cut the disciples some slack. We get to study the Bible. The disciples were learning on the job—kind of like my graduate students. What happens when you get an odd (or even “stupid”) question about Women of the ELCA or your synodical women’s organization or even your unit? Maybe it’s one you feel you have answered over and over. Why don’t all women know who and what we are?
Remember, we have been part of this community of women for a while. We have the experience and knowledge. Take the time to share your knowledge. If you need answers, you can likely find them here.
What is your favorite Women of the ELCA question? Do you have a “stupid” question you have been waiting to ask? Today is the day.
Jody Smiley is president of the Virginia Synodical Women’s Organization, an analytical chemist at Virginia Tech, and a member of St. Michael Lutheran Church in Blacksburg, Va. This blog first ran on September 28, 2015.
Image by Dean Moriarty from Pixabay