I’m sitting here thinking about what I should write my next blog about and the thought comes to mind….
I have nothing to say.
What.
A.
Lie.
I spent years truly believing that my words had no worth or impact upon others. I believed my thoughts and opinions didn’t matter nor would they ever. I believed that I was meant to be an observer in the background of other people’s lives instead of living my own in strength and confidence.
It took time but through the help of God, an amazing program, sisters in Christ, challenges and persistence, I finally reached a point where I found one of the things I value most.
My voice.
Through this amazing gift God has given me, I can do many things. They can be simple things such as greeting someone, singing, making my presence known, or giving a presentation.
Or more profound. Like the way I can share the testimony of God’s grace in my life. The way I can sit down with someone to share words of encouragement, hope and life. With my voice I can lift others up, inspire them, motivate them, calm them down during difficult seasons or give some much needed advice. I can share about the things God is speaking to me or about my hopes and dreams. I can share my thoughts not just because I have the ability to, but because I have the right to. A right that didn’t always feel like mine.
Even if sometimes I’m lacking in confidence I try to hold this right close to my heart. The right to pray for a stranger who’s situation I’ve been through before. The right to speak about God’s goodness and grace in my life even when I’m down and struggling. The right to talk about what God is doing in my life even to someone who doesn’t believe. The right to share my opinions because they matter. The right to call someone out because I see them going down a path that leads to trouble.
My voice – and yours as well – is powerful. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” Proverbs 18:21. We all have the ability to raise others up or put them down. Never doubt that you have power through your words.
And we all know…. “with great power, comes great responsibility.”
What is this responsibility? Well, it looks different for each one of us.
To one person it may look like holding your tongue in a situation where you would normally lash out in anger.
To another it’s speaking out with love and kindness instead of just thinking it.
To someone else it’s sharing their thoughts in class because they never know who will appreciate their perspectives.
To the next person it may be offering advice because they’ve been in the same situation before.
And to another it may be writing a blog, hoping it will encourage someone else to use their voice.
The main responsibility we have though, is to never let anyone else tell us that what we say or share is insignificant. There is a reason you were given a voice, use it!
I didn’t make any new years resolutions this year because I wanted to remember that life change is possible ANY day I choose, not just when there is a season change. So here’s a resolution…
I am going to start using my voice more.
Here’s how:
I’m going to update my blog more.
I’ll pray for people more and not just in my personal time but with them.
I’m going to ask for another opportunity to share something I wrote that I backed out of last minute.
I’m going to speak up at my Bible Study table, even if I’m the youngest there and have fear about how my words will be taken.
I’m going to go on the World Race and share the good news of Jesus Christ because that is the best hope I could ever give another soul.
If you have any other ideas of how I can use my voice please let me know! Otherwise, I hope you go out into the world with confidence that you do have something to say and with the wisdom that there is power in what you say.
In confidence and love,
Ashley
