“A man dies when he refuses to stand up for that which is right. A man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice. A man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true.” – Dr Martin Luther King, Jr., Selma, Alabama, on March 8, 1965.
When you use your voice to speak about things that truly matter to you, to speak truth that matters to you, then you enable others to do the same. Speaking up makes a difference and being honest with those around you does too. Whether you are speaking to personal connections or business contacts your voice is important.
It may be uncomfortable to speak up, especially when there’s so much truth that needs to be spoken, but the opposite is just as uncomfortable…to let the truth be silenced. You may not always get a response, but know that a response does not necessarily mean that communication has not happened. Someone may let you know privately they heard or read what you said.
Please know that people are watching and listening and your voice is heard and needed. The first step in conversation is one we often overlook. It’s the crafting of posts that you think go unread; it’s the speaking truth out loud and seeing heads nod (or not) and wonder if your point came across. But know that you matter and your voice is important.
As we gain encouragement and get bolder about communicating truth it will encourage others to speak up, too. And don’t forget that speaking so others can truly hear you is just as important as your message.
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