Have you ever been told to be quiet or to save it til' later? Have you ever been dismissed as you were trying to share a story? Maybe someone said you were too loud or too emotional or too whatever! Today, i'm saying that whatever you have been told that has contributed to your silence - those people, ideas or dismissals have no more power over your voice!
YOUR VOICE IS WHAT WE NEED TO HEAR!
You are part of the fabric of our humanity and whether we agree on everything or not your voice is extremely important! In the USA, we are experiencing lots of dissent, rage, and in many cases celebration regarding our current & future political atmosphere. Lots of diverse voices have fought their way to the tables and are speaking. Some loud. Some quiet. But lots of us are speaking. Are you speaking? What are you saying?
I love the sounds of voices at open mics. I love how people can use their voice to draw us closer. I love the ways in which we can manipulate our voices and inflections to convey different messages! I love how the voice is not just audible! I love the fact that many people for different reasons are able to communicate extremely well without sound! Dancing has a "sound". Signing has a "sound". Hugs have "sound". I love that regardless of how we "speak" we can be "heard". Regardless of ability, talent, illness or injury. There are ways that we can speak up when we need and want to!
I love the voice! The voice of survivors that break the silence with their truth and hope after years of having their voice silenced is amazing! Our voices give other people an opportunity to speak up. I can't tell you how many times someone has celebrated me for speaking up because it made them feel like they can speak their truth too.
We can choose to be silent or speak up. Even if you do not speak up I honor and celebrate you too. Our voices are indeed ours and if you decide not to speak up that you are still using your voice as a weapon. But I won't be silent when there are voices who decide who is allowed to speak up because of the value placed on their contribution to the good of the people. I believe a contribution to the greater good does not have to mirror other's contributions. I believe that some of us will contribute eggs and others will weed the garden but both contributions are equally valuable.
The mic is open - find your voice in the garden.
The mic is open - find your voice in your bedroom.
The mic is open - find your voice at church.
The mic is open - find your voice in the streets.
The mic is open - find your voice in your community.
The mic is open - find your voice at legislative hearings.
The mic is open - find your voice in your children's classroom.
The mic is open - find your voice in your cell block.
The mic is open - find your voice at your financial institution.
The mic is open - find your voice in the operating room.
The mic is open - find your voice at your doctor's appointment.
The mic is open - find your voice in your local supermarket.
The mic is open - find your voice at court.
And if you cannot find your voice I want you to know that you have a voice and it is important! If you want to find your voice, then I believe you will! Your voice will open doors for yourself and others. Your voice will be remembered. Whatever way you choose to speak via writing, dancing, acting, painting, drawing, worship, stepping, doing hair, organizing, counseling etc we'll be waiting for you!
I see you!
I hear you!
I honor you!
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