Hear me, I've Found My Voice

Can you hear me now? Yes, it's an ad, but there is some deep meaning of respect and hope in truly asking that question. On Saturday I wrote a post titled: Hope Can Change Everything .

I was asked to write a poem about a program for women with children trapped in poverty. I wrote:

You gave me hope,

and I found my voice.

No longer silent and afraid,

To believe in tomorrow, For me and mine.

I have discovered that to believe in yourself enough to believe that your voice: spoken and/or written matters enough for someone to hear or read your words is a sign of confidence. The forsaken, betrayed, guilt-ridden, and defeated have lost their voice and their fight.

I was talking with a young pastor friend on the phone moments ago. I asked him to pray for me as I try to write this post. I told him I was seeking words to express my heart on this topic. It's ironic that I'm searching for my voice as I speak on the power of opening up a place for people to discover "their voice."

Think about yourself: do you know your voice in writing or speaking? Do you live by leading of the Holy Spirit and your own convictions and unctions? Or are you speaking and living to fulfill someone else's dream? Do you believe you matter enough to be heard?

Stephen Covey writes on his blog: It can make all of the difference as to whether a person takes a higher road to his or her own voice or a lower road to where he or she is swallowed up by the priorities and voices of others.

Covey was talking on the power of mentoring. I have mentioned the great influence of my mentor on my life. I must say she cheers me on while I write here. She has helped me find my voice and she is not relenting in pressing me to speak from my heart. When I want to hold back, she encourages me to press toward the mark of speaking whatever Holy Spirit leads me to express.

Find your voice!!! God gave you a distinct, unique voice...we all need to hear you; you matter and we will listen.

Psalm 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry.

Ps. 120:1 In my distress I cried to the LORD, And He heard me.

Ps. 138:3 In the day when I cried out, You answered me, And made me bold with strength in my soul.