By Lauren Kimbrough
I’ve learned to confidently stand up for myself, how I feel, and what I believe in. No matter how you’ve been treated in the past, you are so much stronger and smarter than you give yourself credit for.
“Do not refrain from speaking at the proper time, and do not hide your wisdom; for wisdom becomes known through speech and knowledge through the tongue’s response. Never speak against the truth, but of your own ignorance be ashamed” (Sirach 4: 23-25).
We’ve forgotten how important it is to speak the truth and say things like they are. In our society, being a confident woman who speaks her mind and doesn’t take disrespect from anyone is often looked down upon. That may be so, but there are so many valuable and necessary things we have to say.
So in spite of that, we need to share our experiences, our knowledge, and our opinions with the world. No matter what the situation, speak your mind and stop filtering yourself in order to please others. It’s so freeing to say exactly what’s on your mind without caring what other people think. When you do this, you are being unapologetically yourself. There is someone in this world who desperately needs to hear what you have to say, and you’re the only one that can say it.
I know there can be a lot of anxiety surrounding what other people will think of you and not completely believing in yourself or what you have to say. If speaking your mind scares you, fake it til’ you make it, but never give up. Whenever it gets hard, remind yourself that you deserve to be respected and heard. God made you wise, tenacious, and strong. Embrace it.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1: 9-11).
Even when you don’t feel strong or courageous, remember how powerful your God is. If he is powerful enough to raise people from the dead, he is powerful enough to empower you in this. He is always with you, helping you, guiding you, and making you strong. God gave you a beautiful mind. Don’t try to hide it. Speak your mind and be yourself unapologetically. Always.
