Voice

For a few months now, I have been pondering what does it look like to use my voice with great intention and having the most impact. I have, like many believers, felt the pressure by society to remain quiet on political and social issues. And unfortunately, I have. I have been silent, keeping my voice inside. 

Why you ask? The same reason as most of you. I don't want to get labeled a bigot, a hater, a right-winged conspirator, judgmental, un-loving, and the list goes on and on and on. But in an effort to not "appear" these things, I have let the yelling minority silence my voice.

My convictions to open my mouth have become louder each week. I want my voice heard, but I want my voice to have effect. I am equally as convicted that yelling from the other side of the moral isle will not make my voice relevant. So as much as the pressure has silenced me, I have also paralyzed myself by not wanting to be like the obnoxious political posters who feel that blatantly stating their opinion on Facebook will change things. 

I am in full agreement that love is what is needed in this country. But the love that I feel we need is not just the ooey-gooey emotional love, but the love that speaks relevant truth into an atmosphere and a heart for the sake of releasing Jesus into them.

So what does it look like to raise my voice and it not be a resounding gong or a clanging symbol? (1 Cor 13) I have no desire to insert more noise into the country.  But I am purposely choosing to enter the conversation and let my voice be heard. For it is not silence nor condemnation that we will change the status quo. It is us, effectively, lovingly, using our voice.

Jesus voice spoke affirmation and love, but it also spoke truth. I am reminded of the interaction of Jesus with the woman at the well. She left utterly changed, feeling known. Loved. But she was changed by this interaction with Jesus where He spoke to her plainly about the state of her life.

It is not for us to pick up the Holy Spirit's job, for it is Him who convicts men's hearts. But our job is to lovingly use our voice to bring identity, hope, and truth. It is our job to prophesy change, affirm progress, and to stand against the degradation of our moral foundation.

So I implore you to ask yourself how you are using your voice. Is it effective? Is it filled with love? Does it shrink from speaking truth? Are you intimidated to speak? Or have you embraced the echo of the Father's heart through you?

Do you want any easy way to start?  Go and VOTE. We live in a country where you have the right...the right to use your voice. Start there. Vote with your convictions. Do your research, and vote.