Dare to Speak

Growing up, my biggest fear, other than the dark and spiders, were words.

I was afraid to speak up about things that mattered, because if it mattered it probably would cause a debate; and I often doubted if I had the words to communicate my thoughts to those who would not see eye to eye.

Consequently, I held back my words more often than not, in fear of failure.

This hesitancy to express or suppress still happens; in my relationships, in my writing, etc. Time and time again, there are words I feel the urge to express but I resist in fear that I won't communicate well. Maybe it's my perfectionism getting the best of me. It critics, and demands an overly-cautious performance, which cripples acts of bravery. By acts of bravery, I mean saying something that may go against the status quo, or something that may cause tension, but must be said. Most times I feel it is necessary to craft my words flawlessly before they reach anyone else. Crazy, right?

Can anyone relate?

Maybe not as a perfectionistic writer, but as someone who struggles with finding their voice at some time or another?  

I've learned from experience that we simply cannot speak in perfection. I can assure you, my words will be flawed. And they quite possibly will be misinterpreted and misconstructed. There is always the risk of failure. But if you and I never dare to speak, the very words that could bring change will never be heard. 

Spoken words bring change. Words are powerful. Like all things, words are used for good or bad intentions. Though, can you imagine if words were not spoken? Hearts would not heal, 

people would not understand each other,

plans would not unfold.

Words have the power to bring life;

to revive and restore, to influence and inspire.

It's worth the risk! 

So, let's take the risk. We may not be as eloquent or word-crafty as we wish, but we do hold the tools to communicate. 

Dare to speak.