“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” ~ Winston Churchill
The number one quote for 2020 was “You’re On Mute.” Virtual platforms became the norm for business and social life around the globe. Anyone who spent any time attending virtual meetings heard this phrase more than they care to count. The term “You’re On Mute” was used over 1000% more times than in 2019. There is nothing like being called on to speak on a virtual meeting, and you start spewing out your words with passion and zeal, only to have the host interrupt you with the words “You’re On Mute” or “You’re Still Muted.” While everyone else is chuckling, you’re trying to gather yourself to start your pitch all over again; funny, but ugh!
How about your voice in the world? Is your voice on mute? Especially when it comes to speaking up and speaking out for those who don’t have a voice and for things that matter in your context, including but not limited to your family, employment, civil issues, church, political issues, environmental issues, social unrest, systemic racism, and the kingdom of God. Everyone has something to say, but fear can sure silence a powerful voice. The opposite is true for the proud; when people speak out of ego, without applying filters or intellect (if any exist, just saying), the consensus is they should remain muted. Can I get a witness? Is your voice silenced because of the fear of sounding dumb, weak, or dull? Or, is it time for you to give your voice a rest and humble yourself in the presence of silence?
There are many ways for you to speak up and speak out. You can start a blog, engage social media, write some essays, articles, or books. With technology, there are many creative ways for you to unmute yourself. You could create a discussion group or an online forum to help create dialogue for a particular subject or centered around things that matter to the world and God. If you live a spiritual life and practice spiritual principles in all your affairs, then you have much to say. Your story becomes apart of God’s narrative. Your story is God’s story.
If you have addressed the hurts, habits, and hang-ups in your life and experienced liberation and healing, people need to hear from you. The darkness in your mind, influenced by the world’s principalities and powers, will persistently attempt to keep you muted. Don’t let that be you; hit the unmute button and go for it. God gave you a voice for a reason, so use it. Your experience, strength, and hope can lead to change, and you may even help avert misery and death for countless others along the way.
Lord, thank You for my life and my voice. Please grant me the wisdom, courage, and humility to allow Your voice to become my voice in the world to help usher in Your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Please remove any fear that attempts to mute my voice, and please quiet my voice when ego and pride flow from my tongue. In Your Spirit and Name, I pray these things. May Your will not mine, always materialize, now and forever, Amen.
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