Your voice in how you speak or don’t speak matters. I went through a season where I constantly questioned what I say or wrote. It was awful. Perhaps you too have felt silenced by your very worst enemy…yourself. Years ago there were two instances, one I handled…badly. Though I tried to make amends it still woke havoc on a friendship I treasure. My motivates were genuine in seeing my friend rise up, my actions and method proved I had much to learn. Grace matters when one messes up and being willing to own up and forgive is important. Yet…changes must be there for trust to be regain…on both sides.
Another incident occurred as I was preparing for hardships I knew would hit as soon as I stepped on my hometown soil again. It left me shook. It would be many, many months before I grew confident again. Mostly, because I couldn’t and still to this day did not see what I was told though I spent much time in the Word and in prayer over it. I once asked someone who knew me best if I was truly this way. They took time to reflect and they could find nothing to support. Still…the power of that one voice held me. I had allowed it to be a prison. It took immense courage to even talk with people, even the ones whom I was safe with. I forced myself to talk. Because I’ve been given a fire that simply won’t stop lighting.
Your voice is a fire. Perhaps there’s a season where you winterize. In other words you allow yourself to grow, to train, and to witness others use wisely in the very thing you’ve got a voice in. But unless you absolutely snuff it out…its never truly gone. Let go of “how it should be” and let it be strong in the moment in time you’re using it. Use it not for selfish motives, but to inspire and create a world of beauty with others.
Listen carefully to what others say…but weigh it well. Be shrewd, but not unforgiving. Speak encouragement, but not flattery. When you do speak…season it with oil and honey. Make sure your motives and actions align with the word of God. Beyond that…others actions do not dictate what you and do not do. Only that you act in a manner of integrity, charter, and according to the Gospel. Let Him in your Heart. He is the Truth, the Life, and The way. If words aren’t pointing to Him…then there are some questions to ask. Allow your voice be a fire that is beautiful and full of Him.
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